A class-action suit has been filed against Google for allegedly invading users’ privacy by tracking their internet search history and browsing details even when the browsers used the Private or Incognito mode.
5 Billion Dollars Lawsuit Against Google for Tapping User’s Private Browsing
According to the lawsuit, Alphabet Inc is asked to pay at least 5 Billion dollars for snakingly collecting User data and monitoring their online activity while using the incognito mode. Google allegedly kept a watch on what people were doing online and what sites they were browsing.
Collects data through apps and plugins
The complaint filed in the San Jose, Federal Court said that Google used its tools like Google Ad Manager, Google Analytics, and various other plugins to collect user data. The apples installed on users’ smartphones track the internet browsing history and access the photographs, location, and messages, which is sensitive information. The lawsuit suggests that irrespective of user clicking the Google Ads or not, the information is collected.
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Google accesses private and embarrassing information of users.
Google gets access to private information about a user, including their hobbies, preferences, shopping patterns, political views, and even friends. The data is often susceptible to the users and includes intimate and embarrassing details, which they would not want to share with anyone. However, when their online search details are available with someone, they may find themselves in a soft spot.
The lawsuit takes on Google for unauthorized data collection.
The complaint outrighted denounced Google for accessing user data when they browse on the incognito mode. The complaint said that,
“Google cannot continue to engage in the covert and unauthorized data collection from virtually every American with a computer or phone.”
Google to defend itself
On the other hand, Google decided to actively defend itself in the case as per the Spokesperson Jose Castaneda.
“As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity.”
Private browsing and Incognito modes appear safe to the users who do not want their internet activity to be revealed to others. However, experts have warned that various tech companies like Google can track user-profiles and examine their activity across different browsing modes.
Lawsuit included millions of Google users browsing Private mode.
The lawsuit reportedly includes many users(in millions) who used the internet in the Private mode since June 1, 2016. It demanded damages worth 5000 dollars per user for the violation of federal wiretapping and California privacy laws.