By Claire Moraa
- A class action suit filed in 2020 against Google has been settled and billions of browser records will be erased
- Plaintiffs were aiming for a $5B payout as it was a direct infringement on their right to privacy
Google (GOOG -0.77%) is finally settling a four-year old class action lawsuit. The tech giant was accused of improperly tracking the web-browsing habits of users who believed their activities were private in Incognito Mode. This private browsing option is designed to provide a cloak of anonymity, shielding users’ digital footprints from prying eyes. However, the plaintiffs alleged that Google’s actions betrayed this fundamental promise, intentionally deceiving millions of individuals who believed their online escapades remained concealed.
Why This Matters: The digital landscape is evolving and data is being proliferated at a rapid rate. Nevertheless, data should be lawfully obtained and used with consent. Setting up an incognito mode and going against their own policies shows that the company does not adhere to privacy laws and user data is not safe. As a sign of good faith, Google will now delete the billion of browser records, allow users to block third-party cookies while on incognito mode and inform users of the kind of data collected.
While the case may have been settled, actions like this can have a ripple effect on the tech giant. This settlement extends far beyond the confines of the courtroom. Class-action lawsuits have emerged as the primary battleground for challenging big tech companies on data privacy matters in U.S. And even though this is not Google’s first rodeo-in 2018, the tech giant was caught up in another similar case worth $700 million for violating antitrust laws. It is a call for consumers to stay vigilant. Don’t just tick the I have read and agree to the privacy policy box on every site. The proof is in the fine print so take a moment to read it and see if protects your information. As we ask tech companies to be transparent, we must also be accountable. It’s a two-way street.
What’s Next: Moving forward, it is important for Google and other tech companies to continue improving privacy practices and transparency. Users are increasingly becoming wary of their digital footprints being monetized without consent and the pressure mounts for companies to reevaluate their practices and prioritize user privacy. Governments and regulatory bodies should also consider strengthening privacy regulations to ensure the protection of user data in the digital age.
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