Google has made a promise to delete data it gathered from users who browsed the internet in Google Chrome Incognito mode. This move comes after a lawsuit dating back to 2020 accused Google of secretly collecting information from users even when they thought their browsing was private.
Incognito mode in Chrome is designed to not save browsing history, cookies, or other data on the user’s device. This feature is popular among people who want to browse the internet without leaving any traces. However, despite users’ expectations of privacy, it was revealed that Google was still able to track some information from Incognito mode.
Google Chrome Incognito
In January 2024, Google admitted to tracking users in Incognito mode and began discussions to settle the lawsuit. Now, a recent report from the Wall Street Journal states that Google has committed to deleting the data it collected through Incognito mode.
Although Google hasn’t provided a specific timeline or details about how it will delete the data, this pledge marks a significant step towards addressing the privacy concerns users raised.
Previously, Google had quietly updated the description of Incognito mode in some versions of Chrome, indicating that it does collect some information. This indirect admission from the company further fueled concerns about privacy.
While it’s uncertain if Google will stop collecting data from Incognito mode altogether, users can expect better transparency regarding their privacy when using Chrome. This pledge to delete previously collected data is seen as a positive step, but it remains to be seen how Google will handle privacy concerns in the future.