In response to a complaint alleging that it surreptitiously tracked the internet usage of millions of people who thought their browsing was private, Google has agreed to a $5 billion payment.
After Google and the consumers’ attorneys negotiated a preliminary deal, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, postponed the trial that was planned for February 5, 2024. Through mediation, both sides agreed to a binding term sheet, however precise terms were not divulged. By February 24, 2024, they expect to deliver a formal settlement for court approval.
The case, which was filed in 2020, asserted that Google was able to track users’ activities even while they were using the “private” browsing mode of other browsers or Chrome’s “Incognito” mode thanks to its analytics, cookies, and apps. The plaintiffs contended that as a result, Google became a “unaccountable trove of information,” disclosing information on users’ shopping preferences, friends, pastimes, and other private internet searches.
Citing Google’s privacy policy and remarks, Judge Rogers denied Google’s motion to dismiss the complaint in August, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding Google’s legally binding pledge not to gather data while surfing in private.
The case, which was filed in 2020, asserted that Google was able to track users’ activities even while they were using the “private” browsing mode of other browsers or Chrome’s “Incognito” mode thanks to its analytics, cookies, and apps. The plaintiffs contended that as a result, Google became a “unaccountable trove of information,” disclosing information on users’ shopping preferences, friends, pastimes, and other private internet searches.
Citing Google’s privacy policy and remarks, Judge Rogers denied Google’s motion to dismiss the complaint in August, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding Google’s legally binding pledge not to gather data while surfing in private.
