Google will delete data collected through Incognito mode in Chrome

In January, it turned out that Google Chrome collects user data even in Incognito.  In the context of the Brown v. Google settlement, the company decided to delete data collected while users were using private mode. The agreement could affect more than 136 million Google users.

As part of the settlement, Google will also be required to provide greater disclosure of its data collection practices. There will also be restrictions on future collections.

According to the court filing, the proposed settlement is valued at $5 billion. That amount was calculated based on the value of the data Google has stored and plans to destroy, as well as information that it is now prohibited from collecting.

Plaintiffs in the case stressed that the settlement will ensure transparency from Google, the world's largest data collector, and is an important step towards improving and protecting the right to privacy online.

Also part of the agreement is aimed at disclosing methods for limiting private browsing services. In addition, Google has agreed to allow Incognito users to block third-party cookies for 5 years to prevent their activity from being tracked across other sites.

Google spokesman Jose Castaneda expressed satisfaction with the settlement of the lawsuit, which the company said was frivolous. He also clarified that the plaintiffs will not receive financial compensation since the data was not associated with specific users.

There are currently approximately 50 lawsuits filed by individuals in California state court. Under the terms of the settlement, claims are still open.