Google has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit from 2020, where Google account holders accused the company of tracking their online activities even when using Chrome’s Incognito mode. Incognito mode is supposed to keep your browsing history private, but Google was collecting data without associating it with specific individuals.

Although the plaintiffs sought $5 billion in damages, they will not receive any compensation as part of the settlement. However, they do retain the right to file individual suits against Google. The terms of the settlement include some changes to Google’s Incognito mode and disclosures:

– Google will update its disclosures to acknowledge that it collects private browsing data.
– The company must delete certain private browsing detection bits and stop tracking users’ choice to browse privately.
– For the next five years, Google will enable users to block third-party cookies by default in Incognito mode.

A hearing is scheduled for July 30th before Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California to approve the settlement. This agreement aims to enhance privacy for users while limiting data collection by Google.

Many users have noted that Google’s Incognito mode icon resembles Walter White from “Breaking Bad.” Despite this amusing comparison, these legal developments highlight the importance of protecting online privacy.