Google Lawsuit Settlement Over Unauthorized Data Tracking
Recent lawsuits against Google highlight the tech company’s alleged unauthorized tracking of user data, leading to a significant settlement agreement.
Background
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, raised concerns about Google’s tracking practices, particularly in “Incognito” mode on Chrome. Users accused Google of lack of transparency regarding data collection, including visited websites.
Settlement Details
- Google to delete billions of data points from users’ web-browsing histories.
- Update disclosures on private browsing data collection.
- Provide users with the option to disable third-party cookies.
Implications
While the settlement does not offer monetary compensation to individual users, it mandates Google to make significant changes in its data collection practices. Attorney David Boies emphasized the importance of holding tech giants accountable for their actions.
Future Actions
Google is set to implement changes, including ongoing updates to privacy disclosures and the removal of tracking software from Chrome. Incognito mode will allow users to block third-party cookies for the next five years.
Legal Proceedings
The settlement, reached in December, averted a trial scheduled for February. However, final approval is pending from Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in California.
