Google accused of collecting private data, secretly

Google would face a lawsuit for collecting private data even in Incognito mode, according to Bloomberg.

Private data collected in “Incognito” mode

A judge in California decided that Google should face a lawsuit. The decision comes after three users filed a complaint. They claimed that the search giant collects data from users secretly, even when they use the private “incognito” mode.

According to them, Google has “a pervasive data tracking business.” They emphasized that the tracking persists although users try to protect their private information. No matter they used the incognito mode in Chrome or private browsing in Safari and other browsers.

Although Google tried to throw out the case, the US District Judge Lucy Koh offered an explanation for its decision. So, he mentioned that the giant “did not notify users that Google engages in the alleged data collection.” Moreover, he mentioned that this happened “why the user is in private browsing mode.”

On the other hand, Google mentioned that it informs its users “that ‘Incognito’ does not mean ‘invisible’.” Also it added that “user’s activity during that session may be visible to websites they visit.” Moreover, the same data is visible to “any third-party analytics or ads services the visited websites use.”

Google will not give up

Still, Google does not seem to give up. Thus, according to the company’s spokesperson, the company disputes the lawsuit’s claims. “We will defend ourselves vigorously against them,” José Castañeda mentioned.

So, he explained that the Incognito mode in Chrome means that users’ activity is not saved on their browser or devices.

“Websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session.”

Just a couple of weeks ago, Google announced it would give up tracking technologies. Thus, its director responsible for ads privacy and trust, David Temkin, said that no “technology used for tracking” will be used.

Still, the giant will let advertisers target users on the platform, if they are logged in their Google accounts.