Google has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit regarding the collection of data in Chrome Incognito mode. The settlement will require Google to provide more detailed disclosures on how it collects information in Incognito mode and will block third-party cookies by default for the next five years. The lawsuit, Brown v. Google, was filed in June 2020 and accused Google of violating California privacy laws. While Google denies any wrongdoing and states that the data being destroyed or remediated was never associated with individuals, individuals can still file claims for damages. This settlement is part of a broader trend of Big Tech companies facing complaints and lawsuits over data collection practices.
Tech companies like Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon have all faced lawsuits related to data mismanagement and privacy concerns. The collection of individual tech and data points is valuable for targeted advertising but can also raise concerns about privacy and data security. Data breaches can occur if companies collect too much data, and personal browsing habits can be algorithmically manipulated to influence users. US lawmakers have raised concerns about the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok and its data collection practices, with fears that the Chinese government could spy on Americans or spread misinformation. Data misuse was also highlighted in the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2016, in which Facebook data was used for political targeting.
If you are concerned about privacy and data collection, there are alternative browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave that prioritize privacy protections. DuckDuckGo positions itself as a privacy-focused browser and search engine, while Brave blocks ads, trackers, and third-party cookies by default. Even if you choose to continue using Chrome, Safari, or Edge, there are tips available to enhance your online browsing privacy. These include adjusting privacy settings and using tools to block trackers and protect your data. As the debate over data privacy continues, individuals are encouraged to take steps to protect their personal information online and hold tech companies accountable for their data collection practices.
