Reuters news report claimsThe Incognito Browsing feature offered by Google in its Chrome browser doesn't actually allow for private browsing; browsing behavior is still tracked by Google through methods like cookies. The lawsuit seeks at least $50 billion in damages, and Google has reached a preliminary settlement with attorneys representing the consumers who filed the lawsuit. The specific amount of the settlement has not been disclosed.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, covers consumers whose web browsing privacy has been affected by Google since June 2016, 6. It accuses Google of violating federal wiretapping laws and California privacy laws and demands that Google pay at least $1 in compensation to each consumer.
Although Google appealed the ruling, the court rejected the ruling in August, arguing that Google did affect consumers' privacy rights.
Following the preliminary settlement, Google and the attorneys representing the consumers have reached a legally binding settlement agreement. The settlement is expected to be formally submitted on February 2024, 2, and will be submitted to the court for approval. The class action trial originally scheduled for February 24, 2024, will be put on hold.
