Google has agreed to resolve a class-action lawsuit, launched in 2020, related to the Incognito mode of its Chrome browser. The lawsuit, filed in California and Florida, accused Google of tracking and collecting user data in Incognito mode.
Google Analytics and Ad Manager were alleged to collect browsing information, including web page content and IP addresses, and associate this activity with existing user profiles. Google attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that users were warned that their activity could be visible.
However, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected this argument, noting that Google did not explicitly inform users that it was continuing to collect data in Incognito mode. Google’s request was based on alleged user consent to data collection, which the court did not accept. The agreement between Google’s Chrome and the plaintiffs, filed Tuesday, will dismiss the litigation. The agreement is expected to be presented and approved by the court in late January and February respectively.