Google has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit, agreeing to delete millions of records of users’ browsing activities. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accused the tech giant of tracking users without their knowledge while they were browsing in “incognito” mode using the Chrome web browser.
Despite the supposed privacy of “incognito” mode, Google’s tools, including advertising technology used by websites, continued to collect user data, as alleged in the lawsuit. The settlement, agreed upon in December and detailed in a filing at a San Francisco federal court, mandates the deletion of “billions” of data records related to users’ private browsing.
Additionally, Google has made changes to its disclosures to clarify data collection practices and agreed to allow users to block third-party cookies while browsing in “incognito” mode for the next five years.
While the plaintiffs sought $5 billion in damages, the settlement does not involve monetary compensation from Google. Instead, individuals retain the option to pursue damages through individual complaints filed in US state courts. Approximately 50 individuals have already initiated such complaints.
The settlement, hailed as “groundbreaking” by plaintiffs’ lawyers, signifies a significant move towards transparency in data collection practices by major tech companies. It also comes amidst Google facing multiple regulatory challenges in the US and abroad concerning its handling of user data.
The resolution of this lawsuit averts a scheduled trial and provides relief for plaintiffs, according to representatives of the consumers involved. The settlement is particularly noteworthy given its impact on Google’s advertising business, which relies heavily on user data.
With this settlement, Google aims to address growing concerns about privacy and data collection practices while navigating ongoing legal challenges regarding antitrust regulations and monopolistic practices.
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