Your Location: -
Your ISP: -
Your IP: -
Your Status: Unprotected!
Get MrGhost VPN
logo
menu

What Google’s Incognito Lawsuit Settlement Means For You

Update time : 2024-10-22

by Dev Arhan

Table of Content
1.
Incognito Isn’t Fully Private (And Never Really Was)
2.
What Changes Now?
3.
Why This is a Big Deal for Privacy
4.
How Can You Protect Your Privacy Now?
5.
This is Your Privacy Wake-Up Call
6.
Corporate Accountability is On the Rise
7.
Final Thoughts

In April 2024, Google agreed to delete billions of records from private browsing sessions to settle a pretty huge lawsuit. People were mad because they thought they were browsing privately in Chrome’s “incognito” mode, but it turns out Google was still tracking them. Yeah, not cool.

This case has been going on since 2020 and covers users who have been using incognito mode (or other browsers’ private modes) since June 2016.

 

The lawsuit claimed that Google’s tools (like cookies and analytics) continued to track what people were doing online even in incognito mode. The result? Google got loads of information about their friends, interests, shopping habits, and even some of the more awkward searches.

 

Basically, it turned Google into a massive data sponge, and users weren’t having it.

 

Google is now set to destroy all those records, and the settlement, worth somewhere between $5 billion and $7.8 billion, also forces them to update how they explain what data they collect when you’re browsing privately. They’ll also let users block third-party cookies for the next five years. 

 

Even though the settlement is worth billions, don’t expect a check in the mail. Unfortunately, users won’t get direct compensation, but you can still sue individually if you think your privacy was violated. This might not be the financial win people were hoping for, but it sets the stage for future lawsuits.

 

So, if companies keep messing with your privacy, you’ve got options.

 

What does this mean for you? Let’s break it down.

 

Incognito Isn’t Fully Private (And Never Really Was)

The big shocker here? Incognito mode doesn’t actually make you invisible online. It stops your browser from saving history, cookies, or passwords, but it doesn’t stop websites, advertisers, or your internet provider from tracking your activity. So, even though you thought you were off the grid, Google was still gathering info about you – and that’s the whole reason this lawsuit blew up.

 

What Changes Now?

Thanks to the settlement, Google has to make some changes that will impact how your data is handled:

 

 ● More Transparency: Google has to be way clearer about what info they’re still collecting when you use private browsing. This means they can’t leave you in the dark anymore, and you’ll have a better idea of what’s going on with your data.

 

 ● Block Those Cookies: For the next five years, you’ll be able to block third-party cookies in incognito mode. These cookies are what allow advertisers to track your activity across different sites. Blocking them gives you back some control over what’s being shared.

 

 ● Less Data, Less Ads: Google agreed to collect less data during private browsing sessions, which means you’ll see fewer ads based on your private activity.

 

Why This is a Big Deal for Privacy

Online privacy has been a hot topic for a while, and this lawsuit just cranked up the heat. Google holds a ridiculous amount of data on billions of people, so agreeing to delete all these records is a major moment in the privacy battle. It’s a win for users who are tired of tech companies scooping up their personal info without clear consent.

 

Plus, this case could push other companies to think twice about how they handle your data when you’re browsing “privately.” If Google has to do it, the pressure is on for the rest of the industry to follow.

 

Continue reading: The Controversial Google Reverse Keyword Warrant

 

How Can You Protect Your Privacy Now?

The changes are a step in the right direction, but you still need to take charge of your privacy. Here’s what you can do:

 

 ● Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) keeps your activity hidden from everyone—your internet provider, advertisers, hackers, the works. It’s like an extra privacy shield that works alongside incognito mode. MrGhost VPN is a solid choice that keeps your search history private and your IP address hidden, letting you browse without a care.

Learn more: How to Use a VPN: A Comprehensive Guide

 

 ● Switch Browsers: If you want more privacy by default, consider switching to a browser like Mozilla Firefox or Brave, which block trackers and cookies without you needing to tweak a bunch of settings.

 

 ● Tweak Your Settings: You can always dive into Chrome or any browser’s settings to block third-party cookies and stop websites from tracking your activity.

 

This is Your Privacy Wake-Up Call

This whole lawsuit should be a wake-up call: don’t just assume private browsing means complete anonymity. Google’s been caught tracking users in incognito mode, and while they’re being forced to change, this could easily happen again with other companies. The key is to stay on top of what’s happening with your data and not rely solely on what tech companies tell you.

 

Corporate Accountability is On the Rise

This isn’t the first time Google’s been in hot water over privacy, and it definitely won’t be the last. In fact, they’ve been sued multiple times before, including a 2022 case where Texas claimed Google misled users into thinking incognito mode actually stopped tracking.

 

This case puts more pressure on tech companies to be clear and upfront about how they collect and use data—and they better take note, because people are tired of being kept in the dark.

 

Final Thoughts

For users, Google’s settlement is a win for privacy, but it’s not the end of the story. While they’ve agreed to delete billions of records and improve transparency, it’s up to you to protect your data. Incognito mode might not be as private as you thought, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Using a VPN such as MrGhost VPN, switch to more privacy-focused browsers, and being aware of what companies are doing with your data can make all the difference.

 

And this case? It’s just a sign that people are waking up to what’s happening behind the scenes. The push for more accountability from big tech is only going to grow stronger from here.

Secure your connection and boost your speed.

Other private network topics you might like

All content, layout, and frame code of all MrGhost VPN blog sections belong to the original content and technical team, all reproduction and references need to indicate the source and link in the obvious position, otherwise legal responsibility will be pursued.

Join our Discord community for VPN tips & game acceleration tricks

30Days

30-Day money-back guarantee

Experience MrGhost VPN with a 7-day free trial. Not satisfied? Get a full refund if you're not satisfied with our premium features within 30 days!

Get MrGhost VPN Now