Google Resolves $5 Billion Lawsuit Accusing Chrome's 'Incognito' Mode of Tracking Users

Google has agreed to settle a lawsuit for $5 billion over claims that its Chrome browser's "Incognito" mode misled users to think their online activities were private when they were actually being tracked.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, accused Google of deceiving users and collecting data for targeted advertising through Google Analytics and Ad Manager, affecting "millions" of individuals.

An undisclosed preliminary settlement has been reached, with formal court approval expected by February 24, 2024. The development follows a denied request by Google for a judge-led decision and precedes a scheduled jury trial for next year.

This case is part of a series of class action lawsuits addressing data privacy concerns against major tech firms in the U.S. Previously, Google and Meta have settled similar lawsuits for $23 million and $725 million, respectively.