Google reached agreements to resolve the trial related to violation of confidentiality when using the Incognito regime in browsers. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the initial lawsuit was filed in the amount of $5 billion with a calculation of compensation of $5,000 for each user of Incognito. The terms of the peace agreement are stipulated by the parties to the conflict, but should also be approved by the federal judge at the meeting scheduled for February 24.
The charges against Google involve a violation of US federal laws on listening to telephone conversations and laws on confidentiality in force in the state of California. The lawsuit alleges that Google could use analysts data, the browser Cookie, and its own applications for tracking user activity when included in the Chrome Incognito mode, as well as in the use of private viewing mode in other browsers. This tracking allowed Google to obtain information about users’ friends, hobbies, favorite dishes, preferences in purchases, and embarrassing things – information that users did not want to disclose and believed would be protected by using the Incognito mode. These allegations bring into question the perception that Google’s “incognito” mode provides anonymity and protection from tracking, when in reality, Google continued to use advertising technologies and other tracking methods to collect visits and activity on sites.
While the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, it is clear that Google is taking steps to resolve this legal matter. The federal judge will review and evaluate the terms during a meeting scheduled for February 24. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether the peace agreement is approved.