To settle a 2020 lawsuit alleging deceptive practices around data collection in Chrome’s Incognito mode, Google has made some major concessions. Here’s the breakdown:
- Data Purge: Google will delete massive amounts of data collected during Incognito browsing sessions. This is a significant step in addressing the core issue of the lawsuit.
- Clearer Communication: Google must update its privacy policies and the Incognito splash screen to be more transparent about its data collection practices. Some of these changes have already happened.
- Third-Party Cookie Crackdown: Chrome will now block third-party cookies in Incognito mode by default, creating a more private browsing experience.
- No Automatic Payouts: While there won’t be direct compensation for users affected by the initial lawsuit, individuals can still sue Google separately for privacy violations.
The Bigger Picture
The settlement hints at a value of over $5 billion in relief. This emphasizes the immense worth of the user data Google will be deleting – data they likely used for significant profit. While users won’t see direct payouts, the case sets a precedent for holding tech giants accountable for their handling of private information.
