Current:Home > NewsGoogle warns users Chrome's incognito mode still tracks data, reports say. What to know. -GlobalInvest
Google warns users Chrome's incognito mode still tracks data, reports say. What to know.
View
Date:2025-04-17 22:17:18
Google Chrome has reportedly updated the message that users see when they're in "incognito mode" following the settlement of a $5 billion privacy lawsuit.
Google added a disclaimer that the privacy function still collects user data that websites and services can access, according to the Verge, which said MSPowerUser first spotted the change.
The new message is only visible on the latest version of Google Chrome, the Verge reported. The previous message is still visible for some Chrome users.
Parts of the disclaimer remain untouched like the bullet points that clarifies that websites, employers, schools and internet service providers can view activity. The page also states that browsing history, cookies, site data and information entered in forms are not saved in incognito mode.
Reports:Blood-oxygen sensors to be removed from Apple Watches as company looks to avoid ban
Original and updated incognito mode messages comparison
The previous message reads: "Now you can browse privately, and other people who use this device won’t see your activity. However, downloads, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved. Learn more."
According to the Verge, the new message reads: "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. Learn more.”
The previous message also gave users the option to block third-party cookies that primarily prevents sites from tracking internet activity.
Lawsuit alleged Google spied on users
The update comes after the company agreed on Dec. 28 to settle a $5 billion class-action lawsuit alleging the platform used private browsers to track internet use, according to the Associated Press.
The privacy lawsuit filed in 2020 alleged that Google misled users into thinking their internet activities would be off limits to the company. Plaintiffs also claimed that the company used advertising technologies to catalog their site visits and used an "unaccountable trove of information" under the false perception of privacy.
The settlement still requires approval by a federal judge and AP reported that the final settlement agreement will be presented in court by Feb. 24.
"We’re pleased to resolve this case, which we’ve long disputed, and will provide even more information to users about Incognito Mode," Google spokesperson José Castañeda said in a statement. "Incognito mode in Chrome will continue to give people the choice to browse the internet without their activity being saved to their browser or device."
Google did not respond to USA TODAY's questions about the updated incognito mode disclaimer.
veryGood! (2942)
Related
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- NBC entrusts Noah Eagle, 27, to lead Team USA basketball broadcasts for Paris Olympics
- NASCAR's Bubba Wallace and Wife Amanda Expecting First Baby
- US probe of Hondas that can activate emergency braking for no reason moves closer to a recall
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- New Hampshire man who brought decades-old youth center abuse scandal to light testifies at trial
- California sets long-awaited drinking water limit for ‘Erin Brockovich’ contaminant
- Breaking down Team USA men's Olympic basketball roster for 2024 Paris Games
- Small twin
- Prince William Returns to Royal Duties Weeks After Kate Middleton’s Health Update
Ranking
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Historic Copenhagen stock exchange, one of the city's oldest buildings, goes up in flames
- NBA YoungBoy arrested in Utah for alleged possession of a weapon, drugs while awaiting trial
- NFL draft host cities: Where it's been held recently, 2025 location, history
- Trump's 'stop
- The Office Star's Masked Singer Reveal Is Sure to Make You LOL
- Skeletal remains found at home in Springfield identified as those of woman missing since 2008
- Bethenny Frankel says she was 'relieved' about 2012 miscarriage amid marriage to Jason Hoppy
Recommendation
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
NFL draft host cities: Where it's been held recently, 2025 location, history
Ford recalls more than 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles over battery risk
Family of Minnesota man shot to death by state trooper in traffic stop files civil rights lawsuit
Small twin
Lawyers for Nassar assault survivors have reached $100M deal with Justice Department, AP source says
1000-lb Sisters' Tammy Slaton Shares New Photos Amid Weight Loss Journey
'Bachelor' stars react to 'Golden Bachelor' divorce: 'Just two stubborn old people'