Google’s Agreement to Delete Billions of Chrome Browser Data Raises Privacy Concerns

In a recent development, Google has agreed to purge “billions” of data points collected from users of its Chrome browser over the years. These pieces of information were acquired from individuals browsing websites in what is known as the Incognito Mode, ostensibly offering anonymous browsing.

The tech giant’s decision to delete such data comes as part of a legal settlement. Over 50 plaintiffs have joined a class-action lawsuit, alleging Google’s tracking of users even in the supposedly private Incognito Mode, which, in reality, falls short of providing complete privacy and doesn’t prevent the collection of certain browsing data.

During the proceedings, the company faced accusations of unlawfully monitoring consumers’ activities and behavior through a function purportedly designed for protection.

Earlier this year, amidst court hearings, Google acknowledged that the mode wasn’t as anonymous as it had been portrayed. As per the settlement terms, data from 136 million Chrome users will either be modified or erased by December 2023.

Google’s Response

In a statement provided to The Verge, Google spokesperson José Castañeda expressed contentment with the settlement, while still deeming the original financial claims in the lawsuit “without merit.”

“We never associate data with users when they use the Incognito Mode. We are pleased to delete outdated technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never utilized for any form of personalization,” defended the spokesperson.

Moreover, the company is now expected to enhance the functionality of this mode by specifying the extent of digital protection provided to the user, as well as curbing the use of cookies by third-party pages during a private session.

Now, it rests upon the judge of the California district court to validate the decision and conclude the proceedings without the need for a trial.