Incognito browsing in Chrome is one of the best features of Chrome, but not everyone knows how it actually works. They think they are protected by a layer of privacy, but that is not the case. This is exactly the point that nearly cost Google $5 billion, as a result of the ruling.
Incognito browsing causes problems
While not really private, Chrome's incognito mode has been introduced as such over the years. The search giant advertises that users can browse privately and other people using the device don't see the activity.
It was this assumption that led Google to court, in a lawsuit filed by several users. Note here that Google's cookies, analytics, and tools in apps continued to track Internet activity even after users activated this browsing mode in Chrome.
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$5 billion fine to Google
In support of everyone who took Google's case to court, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to reject Google's intention to hold a summary judgment. The person responsible for the ruling upheld their decision on the information in Chrome's privacy notice, privacy policy, incognito start screen, and private browsing and search help page.
In these different places for anonymous surfing, current information determines what is really saved. There is still incorrect information about how users control the information they share. With that being said, it can be understood that Google will not collect data while using anonymous browsing.
The decision is practically made by the court
Google has already objected to this decision, claiming that Chrome's incognito mode provides the option to browse the Internet without activity being saved to the browser or to the device. They clearly indicate that every time an anonymous tab is opened, websites can collect information about your browsing activity during the session.
This process began in 2020, and whoever goes through it wants to get “at least” $5 billion (about 4.5 billion euros) in damage. This decision wasn't entirely surprising, as the judge had already hinted that she would side with the plaintiffs. With this decision, the outcome and the decision to punish Google for what Chrome anonymous browsing has to offer is closer.
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