- Tech giant Google has rephrased the disclaimer in Incognito mode.
- The updated Incognito pages are now accessible in the Canary version of Chrome.
- Users should be aware that Incognito mode doesn’t guarantee anonymity.
Google’s Chrome has modified the message displayed to users in “Incognito mode” amid a USD 5 billion privacy lawsuit. Although it is widely understood that internet service providers (ISPs) can continue monitoring our activities in Incognito mode, there has been a prevalent belief that Google refrains from logging this information on their end. However, a class-action lawsuit against Google has recently brought to light that the company does indeed track our usage even while users are in Incognito mode.
Google Chrome’s Incognito mode warning update
- As reported by MSPowerUser, Google is settling a USD 5 billion lawsuit, with the resolution expected in February.
- Prior to the settlement, the tech giant has quietly taken steps to enhance transparency regarding data collection practices during Incognito mode.
“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,” the updated text reads.
- The search engine giant has rephrased the disclaimer in Incognito mode, leaving everything else unchanged except for the first paragraph.
- The updated Incognito pages are now accessible in the Canary version of Chrome across various platforms, including Android and Windows.
It is worth noting that back in 2020, a class-action lawsuit sought $5 billion from Google for gathering user data through its services in Incognito Mode. Google defended itself against the accusations, asserting that they specify in their statements that websites collect data in Incognito, even though this information isn’t explicitly mentioned in the disclaimer.
Users should be aware that Incognito mode doesn’t guarantee anonymity. When using Incognito, websites, including Google, can still collect data and track your online activity. However, as per reports, the default activation of third-party cookie tracking prevention in Incognito may offer some level of protection for your browsing activity.
