Google has recently settled a substantial ₹41,000 crore ($5 billion) lawsuit following accusations of spying on users’ private data while in ‘Incognito’ mode. The class action lawsuit contended that Google, despite its promise of private browsing, secretly tracked users’ internet activities using tools such as Google Analytics, cookies, and apps.
Initiated in 2020, the lawsuit shed light on Google’s access to users’ private information, transforming the company into what was described as an “unaccountable trove of information.” Despite Google’s efforts to dismiss the lawsuit, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected the motion. While specific settlement terms remain undisclosed, Google’s legal team referred to a binding term sheet established through mediation. The formal settlement is anticipated to undergo court approval by February 24, 2024.
Incognito mode, designed to offer private browsing, ensures that users’ browsing history is not tracked by cookies. However, the lawsuit alleged that Google violated users’ privacy in this mode, accessing personal preferences and potentially embarrassing information.
Addressing the allegations, Judge Rogers highlighted the question of whether Google had made a legally binding commitment not to collect data during private browsing. The lawsuit, spanning millions of Google users since June 1, 2016, sought damages of at least $5,000 per user for violations of federal wire-tapping and California privacy laws.
