Google has recently come to an agreement to delete or de-identify billions of records of web browsing data collected from users in its private browsing mode, known as “Incognito mode.” The proposed settlement in the case of Brown v. Google aims to increase transparency regarding data collection practices while also placing limits on future data gathering. This settlement, if approved by a California federal judge, could potentially impact 136 million Google users.
The $5 billion proposed settlement is based on the value of the data that Google has amassed and would be required to delete or cease collecting. The lawsuit, initiated by Google account holders, alleged that the company had been unlawfully tracking their online activities through the private browsing feature. According to the terms of the agreement, Google must address data collected in private browsing mode up to December 2023, either by deletion or de-identification.
The plaintiffs involved in the case view this settlement as a step towards holding Google accountable for its data collection practices. They believe that this agreement signifies a move towards improved privacy rights for internet users. Google, on the other hand, maintains that the lawsuit was without merit and is pleased to have resolved the matter. While the plaintiffs estimated the settlement to be worth $5 billion, Google has clarified that the class members will not receive any monetary compensation as part of this agreement.
As part of the settlement, Google has agreed to enhance the disclosure of its private browsing services to users. This includes implementing changes to make the limitations of Incognito mode clearer to individuals. Additionally, Google has committed to allowing users to block third-party cookies by default in Incognito mode for the next five years. This measure is intended to prevent Google from tracking users across external websites while they are in private browsing mode.
While the settlement does not include damages for the class as a whole, individual users have the option to file claims for compensation in California state court. So far, there have been 50 claims submitted under the terms of the settlement. Google maintains that it does not correlate data with specific users when they are in Incognito mode and is willing to delete any technical information that was not linked to personalization.
The Google Incognito data settlement represents a significant development in the realm of data privacy and accountability. By addressing concerns raised by users regarding the tracking of online activities, Google has taken a step towards greater transparency and compliance with privacy norms. While the monetary value of the settlement may not directly benefit the affected class, the changes in data collection practices and user rights are likely to have a lasting impact on internet privacy policies.