Current:Home > FinanceGoogle warns users Chrome's incognito mode still tracks data, reports say. What to know. -WealthX
Google warns users Chrome's incognito mode still tracks data, reports say. What to know.
Rekubit View
Date:2025-04-08 15:22:05
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! (5)
Related
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- 85-year-old Indianapolis man dies after dogs attack him
- Alexandra Park Shares Her Thoughts on Ozempic as a Type 1 Diabetic
- Yes, exercise lowers blood pressure. This workout helps the most.
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Simon & Schuster marks centennial with list of 100 notable books, from ‘Catch-22' to ‘Eloise’
- Stop picking on 49ers' QB Brock Purdy. He takes so much heat for 'absolutely no reason'
- Ex-Pakistan leader Imran Khan gets 10 years for revealing state secrets, in latest controversial legal move
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- The Sweet Advice Demi Moore Gave Her Children After Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis
Ranking
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Marvel's 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' is still a stone cold groove
- Investigator describes Michigan school shooter’s mom as cold after her son killed four students
- Super Bowl prop bets for 2024 include Taylor Swift and Usher's shoes
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Adam Sandler to Receive the People's Icon Award at 2024 People's Choice Awards
- Chita Rivera, revered and pioneering Tony-winning dancer and singer, dies at 91
- Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Alum Lisa Rinna Shares $3 Picks To Refresh Your Beauty Routine
Recommendation
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
Marvel's 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' is still a stone cold groove
Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah on why to tune in, being nominated and his post ‘Daily Show’ life
Music from Memphis’ Stax Records, Detroit’s Motown featured in online show
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
PGA Tour strikes $3 billion deal with Fenway-led investment group. Players to get equity ownership
Military vet who killed Iraqi civilian in 2004 is ordered jailed on charges he used metal baton to assault officers during Capitol riot
Biogen scraps controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm