Google has changed the language that describes how data is collected when users use the Chrome browser’s Incognito Mode.
The newly added wording, which can be found in Chrome’s Canary version 122.0.6251.0, says:
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. Learn more
The live version currently states:
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. Learn more
Additionally, both versions note that activity may still be accessible to internet service providers, employers, schools, and websites.
The fact that Google’s Chrome Incognito support page doesn’t seem to have been changed to match the Canary build’s modifications suggests that the change isn’t yet final.
The adjustments seem to be a reaction to a lawsuit filed in 2020 by campaigners who claimed that Google had deceived Chrome Incognito Mode users by not fully anonymizing their online activity as promised.
Although the tool does not stop advertisements or Google from seeing “what the user is viewing, what the user last viewed, and details about the user’s hardware,” the web giant marketed it as offering privacy.
The plaintiffs said that Google continues to expose users of Incognito Mode to Analytics and Ad Manager services by using their IP addresses to match them to websites they have visited.
The Chocolate Factory maintained that the conditions of use were truthful while not contesting the data gathering. It attempted, but failed, to have the case dismissed from court.
In the end, Google reached an undisclosed settlement in December 2023.
