Google is implementing changes to its Chrome browser’s Incognito mode in response to concerns regarding user privacy. The adjustments are prompted by an upcoming class-action lawsuit that alleges privacy violations associated with Chrome’s Incognito mode. The lawsuit contends that users were not adequately informed about the extent to which Google and third-party websites could collect their data while in this supposedly private mode.
As part of the settlement preparations, Google is updating the warning message associated with Incognito mode to ensure users are well-informed about the nuances of online privacy. The revised warning has been introduced in Chrome Canary, a nightly build tailored for developers, and seeks to directly address one of the lawsuit’s key grievances. It emphasizes that even in Incognito mode, Google and external websites may continue to gather user data.
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The new warning message in Google Chrome’s Incognito mode explicitly states: “You’ve gone Incognito. 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.” The update aims to eliminate potential ambiguities in the wording of the warning and enhance transparency regarding user data collection practices.
It’s important to note that this modified warning has currently been introduced in Chrome Canary and has yet to be incorporated into the developer, beta, and stable branches of Chrome. Additionally, it is not present in Chromium, the open-source project serving as the foundation for the Chrome browser.
The disclosure of these changes highlights Google’s ongoing efforts to address concerns related to user data privacy and to improve transparency in Incognito mode. The modifications are part of the tech giant’s commitment to enhancing user awareness and ensuring informed choices regarding privacy while using its browser.
