Google has agreed to destroy or remediate billions of Chrome Incognito mode data records as part of a proposed class action settlement. The lawsuit, Brown v. Google, accused the company of violating California privacy laws by collecting data in Incognito mode, which users might believe is more private. The settlement requires Google to provide more detailed disclosures on how it collects information in Incognito mode, and for the next five years, third-party cookies will be blocked by default in Incognito mode. A Google spokesperson stated that the company believed the lawsuit was meritless and that no money would be paid to the plaintiffs. Individuals can still file claims for damages against Google.
The class action lawsuit against Google is just one of many complaints in recent years about Big Tech’s data collection practices. Companies like Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon have all faced lawsuits over data mismanagement. Data collection is valuable for targeted advertising, but it can also exceed users’ expectations of privacy, as seen in the Google lawsuit. More data collected means more data that cybercriminals could potentially steal in a breach. US lawmakers have expressed concerns about data privacy, such as with TikTok, a social media app with American users that could be used for spying or spreading misinformation. The US House of Representatives passed a bill to potentially force the sale of TikTok to a US company.
The misuse of data can have significant consequences, as seen in the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2016, where data from Facebook users was used for political targeting. Meta settled a lawsuit related to the scandal for $725 million. For those concerned about data privacy and looking for alternatives to Google’s search products, there are browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave that offer privacy protections. DuckDuckGo positions itself as a privacy-focused browser and search engine, while Brave blocks all ads, trackers, and third-party cookies by default. Tips for enhancing online privacy are also provided for users of Chrome, Safari, and Edge browsers.
Data privacy and user trust are critical issues for tech companies, as evidenced by the increasing number of lawsuits and regulatory actions related to data collection practices. By settling the Incognito mode lawsuit and committing to blocking third-party cookies by default, Google is taking steps to address concerns about its data collection practices. Users can also take proactive measures to protect their privacy online by using privacy-focused browsers and following tips to enhance privacy settings on popular browsers. The ongoing debate around data privacy highlights the importance of transparency, user control, and responsible data management practices in the tech industry.
