Google agreed to delete a lot of information to end a lawsuit. People said Google followed their internet use secretly, even when they thought they were browsing privately. The terms of the agreement were filed in court and need the judge’s OK. Google won’t pay money for damages, but individuals can still sue if they want.
The lawsuit started in 2020 and included millions of Google users who used private browsing since June 1, 2016. Users thought Google’s tools let it track them, even when they were in “Incognito” or “private” mode.
As part of the deal, Google will update what it tells people about what it collects during private browsing. It will also let people in Incognito mode stop outside companies from using cookies for five years.
Google says they’re glad to end the lawsuit, but they say they didn’t do anything wrong. They say they never connect information with specific people during Incognito mode.
Lawyers for the users say this is a big step in making sure companies like Google are honest and responsible.
Earlier, they agreed on some terms to avoid going to trial on February 5, 2024. The details of that agreement weren’t made public. The lawyers for the people suing Google will later ask for money to cover their legal fees.
The case is called Brown et al. v Google LLC et al., in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.
