Google has settled a lawsuit filed in 2020 that accused the tech giant of improperly tracking the web-browsing habits of users who thought they were browsing the internet privately. The lawsuit targeted Google’s “Incognito” private browsing mode in Chrome, alleging that the company misrepresented the kind of data it collects from users. The terms of the settlement require Google to delete billions of data records that reflect the private browsing activities of users in the class action suit. Additionally, Google must update its disclosure to inform users about the data it collects each time a user initiates a private browsing session.
As part of the settlement, Google will implement changes that allow private browsing users to block third-party cookies for the next five years. The company will also no longer track people’s choices to browse the internet privately. This settlement represents a significant step towards holding dominant technology companies accountable for their practices, according to David Boies, the attorney representing the consumer plaintiffs. Boies described the settlement as requiring honesty and accountability from Google, as well as mandating the deletion of improperly collected data on an unprecedented scale.
Google has already begun the process of implementing the required changes as per the settlement terms. A Google spokesperson emphasized that the company is pleased to settle the lawsuit, which they claim to have always believed was meritless. The company reiterated that it never associates data with users when they use Incognito mode and is willing to delete old technical data that was not associated with individuals and was not used for personalization. Despite the settlement, users involved in the class action lawsuit will not receive damages as part of this agreement. However, individuals may still choose to sue for damages separately.
The settlement terms were revealed in court filings in San Francisco federal court, shedding light on the scope and impact of the agreement. In addition to requiring Google to delete billions of data records and update its disclosure practices, the settlement mandates a change in Google’s tracking policies for private browsing users. The announcement of the settlement received positive reactions from consumer advocacy groups and legal experts, signaling a potential shift in the way tech giants are held accountable for their data collection practices.
Moving forward, the settlement will bring about changes that seek to protect user privacy and hold companies like Google responsible for their actions. By requiring greater transparency and accountability in data collection practices, the settlement sets a precedent for future lawsuits against tech companies accused of improper data tracking. Despite the lack of damages for users as part of the settlement, the move towards deleting improperly collected data and implementing changes in data collection practices represents a significant victory for consumer rights and privacy protection in the digital age.
Overall, the Google settlement serves as a reminder to tech companies about the importance of transparency and accountability in their data collection practices. By requiring Google to delete billions of data records and update its disclosure practices, the settlement aims to protect user privacy and ensure that companies are held responsible for their actions. While the settlement may not result in damages for users in this case, it sets a precedent for future legal action against tech giants engaged in similar practices and signals a shift towards greater consumer protection in the digital landscape.
