Find out if Google’s incognito mode monitors your browser activities

Just a few weeks after reaching a settlement in the $5 billion class-action case related to its tracking of user data in Google incognito mode, Google has recently made changes to its disclaimer. In 2020, Google faced a lawsuit alleging that Chrome still gathered user data, including browsing history and IP addresses, even when using incognito mode. Google argued that it had warned users about certain websites collecting data, but the judge ruled against the company, stating that it had not clearly mentioned the ongoing data collection by websites. Last month, Google agreed to settle the lawsuit, and the terms of the settlement will be presented to the court later this month. Now, Google has discreetly added a disclaimer explicitly stating the information it collects in incognito mode. Stay updated on the latest developments.

New disclaimer in Google Chrome incognito mode

MSPowerUser spotted a change in Google Chrome’s latest Canary version 122.0.6251.0. The new disclaimer says: “Other users of this device can’t see what you’re doing, so you can browse more privately. This doesn’t change the way the websites you visit and the services they use, like Google, collect data. Downloads, bookmarks and reading list items are saved. Learn more”.

What’s new? The disclaimer now specifically states that while others won’t see your past activity while incognito, it won’t change the way the websites you visit collect your information. Therefore, even if you use Google Chrome in incognito mode, the websites you visit, your employer or school, and even your ISP can see what you’re doing.

The change will be visible in Canary versions of Chrome on PC, Android and other platforms. In an email to The Verge, Google spokesman Jose Castaneda said this change provides “users with even more information about incognito mode.”

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