Google has quietly made updates to the way Chrome describes its incognito mode.
The updated incognito page is live in the Canary version of Chrome on Android, Windows, and other platforms.
Users should be aware that incognito mode does not guarantee anonymity. Websites, including Google, can still collect data and track user activity.
Several weeks after agreeing to settle a lawsuit that alleged Google‘s illegal tracking of browsing activity during Chrome‘s incognito mode, the tech giant has quietly made updates to the way the browser describes its private browsing feature.
The updated incognito page, spotted by MSPowerUser, is live in the Canary version of Chrome on Android, Windows, and other platforms.
Also read: Google Chrome on iOS and Android can now detect URL typos: Know more
For those who are unaware, in 2020, Google faced a class action lawsuit demanding $5 billion for allegedly gathering user data through its services while users were in incognito mode. Google countered the accusations by claiming that they mentioned that websites do collect data in incognito mode, which was not stated in the disclaimer itself.
A few weeks back, Google agreed to settle the $5 billion lawsuit, which might happen in February, according to the report. Before that, Google has now quietly updated the text or warning that Chrome shows when you open the incognito mode.
The updated text reads, “Others who use this device won’t see your activity, so you can browse more privately. This won’t change how data is collected by websites you visit and the services they use, including Google. Downloads, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved.”
It’s important to note that this updated disclaimer is currently live in Chrome Canary on Android, Windows, and other platforms when you open a new incognito tab/window.
In contrast, Chrome’s present incognito mode reads this: “Now you can browse privately, and other people who use this device won’t see your activity. However, downloads, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved.”
Although Google’s move towards transparency coincides with a lawsuit, users should be aware that incognito mode does not guarantee anonymity. Websites, including Google, can still collect data and track user activity.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
