Google has reached a historic resolution in a privacy lawsuit by agreeing to delete billions of data records and updating its Incognito mode. The settlement, valued at over $5 billion, is a significant step in addressing privacy concerns and enhancing transparency in the tech industry. The lawsuit accused Google of secretly tracking the internet use of users who believed they were browsing privately, drawing attention to the company’s data collection practices.
The terms of the settlement, filed in the Oakland, California federal court, are subject to approval by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. While users will not receive monetary damages, they will retain the right to pursue individual legal action for damages.
The class action lawsuit, initiated in 2020, includes millions of Google users who utilized private browsing modes since June 1, 2016. Allegations against Google include claims that its analytics, cookies, and apps enabled the improper tracking of individuals using Google Chrome’s “Incognito” mode and similar features on other browsers.
Under the terms of the settlement, Google has committed to updating disclosures regarding data collection in “private” browsing modes, a process it has already initiated. Additionally, Google will enable Incognito users to block third-party cookies for a period of five years. The plaintiffs’ lawyers assert that these measures will result in Google collecting less data from users’ private browsing sessions and subsequently making less revenue from data collection activities.
Despite Google’s disagreement with the plaintiffs’ “legal and factual characterizations,” the company has expressed support for the final approval of the settlement. The resolution follows a preliminary settlement reached in December, preceding a scheduled trial set for Feb. 5, 2024. Specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed at the time.
The settlement’s details were revealed in new court filings on Monday, shedding light on Google’s agreement to delete billions of data records older than nine months. Additionally, Google will inform users about data collection in Incognito mode and disable third-party trackers by default when using the feature. This represents a significant shift in Google’s approach to privacy, addressing concerns raised by users and regulatory bodies alike.
Google spokesperson José Castañeda emphasized the company’s commitment to user privacy, stating, “We never associate data with users when they use Incognito mode.”
In addition to the settlement’s monetary implications, users will retain the right to file individual claims against Google. Already, 50 plaintiffs have filed claims in California state court seeking monetary damages, underscoring the significance of the settlement and its potential impact on future litigation against tech companies.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs characterized the settlement as “ground-breaking” and “unprecedented” in its scope and scale, highlighting its potential to drive greater accountability and transparency in the tech industry. The details of the settlement were first reported by The Wall Street Journal, further emphasizing its significance within the broader context of privacy litigation and regulatory scrutiny.
Google
Lawsuit
2024-04-02 11:00:05
Original from www.ibtimes.com