Google Settles $5 Billion Lawsuit, Deleting Data in Private Browsing Mode: A Step Towards Protecting Internet Users’ Privacy

In 2020, Google users filed a class action lawsuit seeking compensation of $5 billion for the data collected during private browsing in “Incognito Mode.” After four years, the company has reached a settlement with the plaintiffs, where they will delete all the data they collected instead of paying a fine.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit expressed that this agreement ensures accountability and transparency from Google, the world’s largest data collector. This settlement is seen as an important step toward improving and defending internet users’ right to privacy. As part of the deal, Google will make changes to how it reports limits on its private browsing services and will allow users to block third-party cookies by default in incognito mode for five years, preventing tracking on external sites.

This settlement marks a significant shift in how tech companies handle user data and privacy concerns. The actions taken by Google as a result of this lawsuit set a precedent for other companies to prioritize transparency and accountability in their data collection practices. Ultimately, this settlement serves as a win for internet users’ privacy rights and highlights the importance of holding tech giants accountable for their data collection practices.