Google faces $5bn lawsuit for tracking people in incognito mode

For allegedly invading people’s privacy and tracking internet use even when browsers are set to “private” mode, Google is set to face a $5billion lawsuit.

CNET reports that the suit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Google violates wiretapping and privacy laws by continuing to “intercept, track, and collect communications” even when people use Chrome’s incognito mode and other private web browser modes.

“Google tracks and collects consumer browsing history and other web activity data no matter what safeguards consumers undertake to protect their data privacy,” reads the complaint.The search giant surreptitiously collects data through Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager, website plug-ins and other The lawsuit seeks at least $5 billion from Google and its parent company, Alphabet.
Earlier, Google had faced other lawsuits over its data collection without the use of the Federal Wiretap Act, which provides users with the right to sue if their private communications are intercepted.

In defence of Google, the spokesman of the company, Jose Castaneda, has denied any wrongdoing, stating the company’s readiness to defend itself.

“We strongly dispute these claims, and we will defend ourselves vigorously against them. Incognito mode in Chrome gives you the choice to browse the internet without your activity being saved to your browser or device. As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session”, he said.