Although it is very useful for many users, Chrome’s anonymous browsing has been a real source of problems for Google. This incognito mode is not true, and complaints have been mounting over the years. Now, Google appears determined to delete anonymous browsing data from Chrome to resolve a court case.
Google will delete anonymous browsing data
It was in 2020 that a lawsuit was initiated against Google and Chrome's incognito mode. The complainants complained that the search giant's browser, even against current indications, was gathering information and following users' steps and processing the collected information.
The request for 5 billion dollars (around 4.5 billion euros) was the objective, with Google also having to stop collecting information. As this process progressed, the research giant ended up having to give in in other areas, until in 2023 a new step was taken. An agreement was being negotiated to avoid a court case.
Now, based on what is being done, Google will be preparing to resolve this issue, without the case going to court. To do this, you will delete a very large volume of data, collected directly from Chrome using incognito mode.
Action resolves lawsuit against Chrome
This process will lead to Google destroying or anonymizing millions of data points collected from Chrome users while they were using incognito mode. The company must also update official information about the type of data it collects from users when Chrome is being used in this mode.
In the agreement reached, Google would also have to maintain a setting in Chrome that would block all third-party cookies as the default setting for the next five years. However, thanks to the company's plan to get rid of all third-party cookies through the Privacy Sandbox, this change may not happen.
This step could thus put an end to the process that has been dragging on since 2020 and free Google from paying an amount that could exceed 5 billion dollars. Still, nothing prevents other lawsuits from emerging and dragging Chrome and its anonymous browsing to court.
