Current:Home > StocksGoogle warns users Chrome's incognito mode still tracks data, reports say. What to know. -NextGenWealth
Google warns users Chrome's incognito mode still tracks data, reports say. What to know.
View
Date:2025-04-24 15:24:14
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! (37)
Related
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- China’s Industrial Heartland Fears Impact of Tougher Emissions Policies
- 24 Affordable, Rattan Bags, Shoes, Earrings, Hats, and More to Elevate Your Summer Look
- Union wins made big news this year. Here are 5 reasons why it's not the full story
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Shop the Best Last-Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas From Amazon
- Thousands of children's bikes recalled over handlebar issue
- Southwest cancels 5,400 flights in less than 48 hours in a 'full-blown meltdown'
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- New Twitter alternative, Threads, could eclipse rivals like Mastodon and Blue Sky
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- New York’s Use of Landmark Climate Law Could Resound in Other States
- Amid blockbuster decisions on affirmative action, student loan relief and free speech, Supreme Court's term sees Roberts back on top
- Can America’s First Floating Wind Farm Help Open Deeper Water to Clean Energy?
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Restoring Utah National Monument Boundaries Highlights a New Tactic in the Biden Administration’s Climate Strategy
- How Britain Ended Its Coal Addiction
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $300 Crossbody Bag for Just $59
Recommendation
Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
Climate Activists See ‘New Era’ After Three Major Oil and Gas Pipeline Defeats
Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $300 Crossbody Bag for Just $59
Tighten, Smooth, and Firm Skin With a 70% Off Deal on the Peter Thomas Roth Instant Eye Tightener
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
The federal spending bill will make it easier to save for retirement. Here's how
As Rooftop Solar Grows, What Should the Future of Net Metering Look Like?
Newark ship fire which claimed lives of 2 firefighters expected to burn for several more days