Google gets in another trouble for its incognito mode: Know the story

How does Google Incognito mode function

Private browsing in incognito mode doesn't leave as many traces. The temporary data that your computer or other device has recorded can be deleted.

Most private browser settings won't save your cookies, browsing history, search history, passwords, or personally identifying information (PII), although all privacy modes aren't created equal.

An excellent first step in protecting your privacy is deleting cookies, which are pieces of data recorded on your computer browser.

Cookies can be used for many things, like this.

• They keep tabs on your visits to the website and the pages you see.

• They make it possible for websites to identify you by saving your ID and preferences.

• They deliver tailored advertisements and personalize your browsing experience.

But does protect your privacy by turning on incognito mode and having the option to remove temporary files like cookies? Not nearly enough, sadly.

This is why. Even if you delete your search history from your own device, your IP address can still be used to monitor you by your ISP, websites you've visited, the government, and other third parties. However, there are advantages to using incognito mode when browsing the web. Think about what private browsing can and cannot achieve for you before deciding if it's right for you.

This is how Incognito mode doesn’t work

Your actions are no longer transitory or anonymous as soon as you enter into any of your favorite websites in incognito mode, including Facebook, Amazon, and Gmail. While your private session ends, cookies and tracking information are still accessible and can be used to link your activity across several accounts and profiles.

This implies that even when using incognito mode, Facebook may be able to see what you're doing on other websites if you're signed into the social network, for example. Even though Chrome gives you the choice when you activate the incognito mode, blocking third-party cookies in your browser can only partially halt this because of how widely ad networks and tracking technologies are used.

Though not the only company engaging in this strategy, Google has already received criticism. Your searches are once again stored and linked to your account if you sign in to Google while using incognito mode, presuming that's how your Google account preferences are set up. Google may also be tracking you on other websites using its ad network and tracking technology.

Even if you don't sign in anywhere, the websites you visit may be able to identify you based on your IP address, device type, and browser, as well as connect this to any other data that may already be linked to you.

A lawsuit against Google for the issue of Incognito mode

Following the complaint from three Google users regarding the internet giant tracking user data in incognito mode, a class-action lawsuit in the US may require Google and its parent company Alphabet to pay $5 billion as compensation. The complaint, which was submitted in June of last year, mentioned Google's extensive data tracking operations. It further stated that even when Chrome's incognito private browsing mode is on, Google still records browser history and other web activity data.

According to Cnet, the lawsuit claimed that Google tracks users using a variety of technologies, such as Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager, website plug-ins, and other programs, including mobile apps.

Regardless of whether you heed Google's advice to keep your activities "private," the complaint states, "Google knows who your friends are, what your hobbies are, what you like to eat, what movies you watch, where and when you like to shop, what your favorite vacation destinations are, what your favorite color is, and even the most intimate and potentially embarrassing things you browse on the internet."

The search engine giant had earlier this month stated that it would not develop alternative identifiers to follow users while they surf the internet or use them in its products once third-party cookies were removed from its platforms.

Last year, Google Chrome announced that it would stop supporting third-party cookies. Advertisers may follow visitors as they switch between different websites thanks to cookies.

Google’s position in the lawsuit

Google has already stated that it will gradually remove third-party cookies from the Chrome browser. Last year, it made a statement stating that it would stop supporting third-party cookies.

The business has stated that it will not develop alternative identifiers to monitor people while they surf the web or use them in its products as third-party cookies are gradually phased off of its platforms.

How money is made by Google in relation to the data of its users

Google tracks your activity when you use its Chrome browser, search engine, or Android operating system to create a profile of your likes and interests. For brand marketers, the data is priceless because it allows them to focus their advertising on the customers who are most likely to respond to it. As the middleman connecting online advertisers and consumers, Google is guaranteed a sizable share of all global advertising budgets. Additionally, the business collects information to prevent fraud and abuse, personalize content, and maintain and enhance its services. Critics assert that Google, Facebook, and other large digital platforms enjoy an insurmountable competitive edge over any possible rivals due to the vast amounts of data they have acquired.

Why use Incognito mode in the first place

There are particular causes. While browsing in private may not completely safeguard you, it does at least insulate you from some shame and the possibility of hurting your close family and friends.

For instance, if your family uses a tablet or PC together, please utilise private browsing, especially if you have children in the house. Do not offer your children easy access to your favorite pornographic or financial websites because they can easily get into trouble using smartphones.

Another illustration is when you use a shared computer. Let's say you're filling out a form on a computer in a doctor's office or a place like that. Check to see whether you can enable private browsing so that other users of the device cannot return to the website and discover your info.

Last but not least, private browsing is the ideal approach to keep that information to yourself if you don't want your partner or significant other to know what you've been up to online. This is necessary for events like surprise parties and gift-giving.