Google Admits That It Can Collect Data in Chrome’s Incognito Mode

Google has made substantial revisions to the Incognito mode disclaimer in Chrome's experimental Canary channel. This is a result of the tech giant's decision to settle a $5 billion lawsuit alleging that it tracked users while they were browsing privately.

The updated disclaimer is intended to provide users with clearer information about the limitations of Incognito mode.

Incognito Mode: Privacy Misconceptions Clarified

The revised disclaimer in Chrome Canary now explicitly states that while others using the same device won't see a user's activity, it does not alter how websites collect user data.

The warning in Chrome Canary has been modified to address concerns raised in an ongoing class-action lawsuit, in which users allege that Google failed to disclose its tracking practices during private browsing. The updated warning specifically emphasizes that browsing activity may still be visible to websites and services, including Google, dispelling the notion that private browsing provides complete privacy.

The disclaimer reads, "Others who use this device won't see your activity, so you can browse more privately. This won't change how data is collected by websites you visit and the services they use, including Google. Downloads, bookmarks, and reading list items will be saved."

Legal scrutiny arose in 2020 over allegations that Google tracked users even while in Incognito mode. Plaintiffs asserted that Google Analytics, apps, and browser plug-ins were used to monitor users, deceiving them into believing they had more control over their privacy than they did. The current public version of Chrome lacks clarity on this issue, but the updated disclaimer in Canary suggests a forthcoming change.

The recent settlement announcement on December 26, 2023, is pending court approval within 60 days.

Future Implementation and User Choice

It remains unclear when the updated warning will be integrated into Chrome's stable channel. Google, in response to queries, stated, "We're pleased to resolve this case...and provide even more information to users about Incognito mode." The company affirmed that Incognito mode continues to offer users a choice to browse the internet without saving activity to the browser or device.

Via