Google sued over 'Incognito Mode' tracking | The Intect posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2025)

Privacy Update: Google Settles $5 Billion Lawsuit Over 'Incognito Mode' TrackingIn a significant development, Google has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed in June 2020, accusing the tech giant of misleading users regarding privacy in 'Incognito Mode.' The lawsuit, seeking a minimum of $5 billion in damages, alleged that Google tracked users' online activities even when they believed their actions were private.The plaintiffs claimed that Google's use of Google Analytics violated federal wiretap laws, enabling the company to amass an "unaccountable trove of information." Despite Google's argument that users were informed about potential visibility, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Google never explicitly communicated the extent of data collection.While 'Incognito Mode' allows users to browse without local activity storage, websites employing advertising technologies and analytics APIs could still track users. This settlement raises crucial questions about user consent and data privacy in the digital age.#cybersecurity #cybersecurityawareness #news #google #data #dataprotection #dataprivacy #chrome #security #protection #intect

1

😳 Internal Google data was recently leaked to 404 Media, thrusting the corporation into the center of a privacy and security scandal. The leak revealed incidents spanning from 2013 to 2018, including the unintended recording of children's voices, the disclosure of addresses from Waze, and the secret storage of car licenses on Google Street View. Many other incidents have been reported, including impacts to YouTube recommendations. These leaks highlight the challenges of managing large amounts of personal data.Recent document leaks also revealed Google's use of data to rank websites, contradicting its claims. Critics believe that this indicates shortcomings in the management of personal information and provides a basis for further discussion of antitrust issues.Just a few steps to help prevent data leaks and protect your privacy:📌 check the privacy settings in your accounts📌 use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication📌 be careful when providing access to personal data, information and permissions for applications and services🔓 Remember, your privacy is your right, protect it! Share with your friends to be careful too 🫶🏻#Google #dataleak #privacy

12

🌐 Google Settles Incognito Mode Lawsuit! 🕵️♂️💼Google has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit, filed in June 2020, accusing the tech giant of misleading users who believed their internet activity was private in "incognito" or "private" mode. The lawsuit sought a hefty $5 billion in damages, and although the settlement terms remain undisclosed, it marks a significant resolution.Wiretap Laws & Tracking Claims 📡🔍Plaintiffs claimed Google violated federal wiretap laws, using Google Analytics to surreptitiously track users' activity in private mode. This alleged tracking created an "unaccountable trove of information" about users who assumed their online privacy was protected.Google's Defense & Judge's Ruling 🛡️⚖️Google defended its position, highlighting the disclaimer displayed when activating Chrome's Incognito Mode, arguing user consent. However, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Google failed to explicitly inform users, undermining their claim of user consent.Incognito Mode: The Cold Hard facts 🕵️♀️🌐Using incognito or private mode prevents local browser activity storage but doesn't shield users from external tracking by websites. Advertising technologies and analytics APIs can still track users, emphasising the need for enhanced transparency in data collection practices.🤔 TL; DR?No judgement here lol but please be aware that while Incognito Mode may offer some privacy, external entities can still track your online activity. Stay informed for more tech and privacy updates! 🚀🔒👉 To read more phishy articles, please visit www.gonephishing.xyz - and sign up to our newsletter to never miss a story!#Newsletter #CyberSecurity #Hacking #Technology #Hacker

1

"𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀."Some might argue that data collection is necessary for personalized services and better user experiences.However, this situation reminds me of an incident where a friend accidentally discovered how much data Google had on her — it was both eye-opening and worrying.Here are some actionable tips to ensure your online privacy:- Review your Chrome privacy settings regularly and adjust as needed.- Use incognito mode if you prefer not to save browsing history.- Be mindful of granting permissions to websites and extensions.- Regularly clear your browsing data to minimize stored information.What do you think about data privacy? Do you take any special steps to protect your own data#Google #Chrome #privacy #lawsuit #dataprivacy #onlinesecurity #userprivacy #datacollection #personaldata #privacyconcerns #internetprivacy #onlineprivacy Let's discuss a bit - Do you think Google's data collection is helpful or invasive? Maybe you have a unique perspective that we've not heard before! Also, share with us your best tips for protecting personal data online. Your contribution might help someone out!

1 Comment

"Google has accidentally collected childrens’ voice data, leaked the trips and home addresses of car pool users, and made YouTube recommendations based on users’ deleted watch history, among thousands of other employee-reported privacy incidents, according to a copy of an internal Google database which tracks six years worth of potential privacy and security issues obtained by 404 Media."via 404 Media#privacy #privacymatters #privacynews #tech #technology #technews #technologynews #ai #ainews #artificialintelligence #google

4

4 Comments

Google is headed to trial after allegedly misleading Chrome users on data collection. 🧑⚖️This is the most recent in a growing list of court proceedings.📣 https://lnkd.in/eyaTqiwN📣 https://lnkd.in/d-FS3nqFWhat was your most startling discovery about Google's data collection? Let us know below!#privacy #security #google #data #chrome

25

4 Comments

Is Google Chrome secretly spying on you? 🔍 A recent report suggests that your favorite browser might be collecting more data than you're comfortable with. 😱Here's the deal:The Claim: Google Chrome is allegedly tracking your browsing habits, even when you're not actively using the browser.The Evidence: Researchers have found that Chrome sends data to Google's servers even when you're not logged in or have certain privacy settings enabled.The Concern: This raises serious questions about how much control we have over our personal information online.So, what do YOU think?Is this a major privacy violation, or are we overreacting?Do you trust Google with your data?What steps can we take to protect our privacy online?Let's discuss it! 👇#GoogleChrome #PrivacyMatters #DataCollection #BigTech #DigitalPrivacy #Surveillance

🚨 Google Data Leak Exposes Past Privacy Incidents 🚨Recent revelations by 404 Media Leak Google have uncovered a series of privacy and security mishaps at Google from 2013 to 2018. Incidents include:Recording children's voices: 1,000 children’s voices recorded for about an hour.Street View mishap: Saved license plates due to text-detecting algorithms.YouTube blurring error: Exposed uncensored versions of images.Waze Carpool issue: Revealed users' home addresses.Google has stated that these issues, reported by employees years ago, have been resolved, and any private information deleted. Some incidents were internal simulations or false alarms.Additionally, a recent leak of 2,500 internal documents has caused a stir in the SEO and publishing industries, potentially revealing insights into Google's search ranking algorithm.🔒 Digital privacy remains a critical concern. These incidents highlight the need for robust and transparent data handling policies. 🔒#DataPrivacy #Security #Google #TechNews #DigitalSafety

6

To ensure google's monopoly doesn't end, they need to design solutions that the EU will take years to understand (if ever) nevermind data protection supervisory authorities (who need google to speak at their conferences alongside role model tiktok). Anyway, the EU is like your business: not enough budget for data protection or privacy.So, if google covers your IP address, it means the traffic needs to go through them even more. Imagine your privacy: even less, but you have nothing to hide, have you?Privatising the internet. When you own it, you can charge any price you want.Google Chrome may soon cover up your IP address

2

This must be celebrated as a step in the right direction by the team Google. Users, however, need to still weight their privacy risks against their technology needs when using other applications from the Google ecosystem that may infringe on their privacy rights.#dataprotection #dataprivacy #privacy