Google has announced plans to delete browsing history information for millions of users, following a class action lawsuit filed against the company in 2020. The lawsuit was brought by Google Chrome users who claimed that the private browsing mode, known as Incognito mode, was not as private as it should be. They reported that user activity was being tracked even when Incognito mode was activated, including the collection of device data and IP addresses.
In December of last year, Google reached an agreement with the plaintiffs which resulted in updating the disclaimer for Incognito mode to clarify that websites visited can collect data and track online activity. As part of this agreement, Google will now delete “billions” of improperly collected browsing data from Incognito mode. Additionally, the company has committed to blocking third-party cookies in its browser by default for the next five years.
This decision by Google comes after a period of increased scrutiny and regulation of online privacy practices. In recent years, there have been growing concerns about how companies collect and use user data, particularly in light of high-profile data breaches and cyber attacks. In response to these concerns, many countries have implemented new privacy regulations, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Google has been at the center of several privacy controversies in recent years. In addition to the class action lawsuit related to Incognito mode, the company has also faced criticism over its handling of user data in other areas, such as its targeted advertising practices and its relationship with third-party data brokers. However, Google has also taken steps to improve its privacy practices and address these concerns. For example, the company has implemented new features designed to give users more control over their data, such as a “delete activity” button in Incognito mode and a “Privacy Sandbox” initiative aimed at reducing reliance on third-party cookies for advertising purposes.
