Google has announced it will destroy billions of data records to resolve a pending lawsuit accusing the tech company of improperly tracking search activity.
The move follows allegations that Google tracked the search data of users operating in Chrome’s private browsing (or “incognito”) mode without explicitly stating that it did so in its privacy disclosures. be.
Google unsuccessfully attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed in summer 2023 after it began in 2020, arguing that users were fully informed about the data collection.
However, the latest development in the lawsuit has resulted in a settlement that forces Google to delete data and update its privacy policy.
Google plans to destroy billions of illegally obtained records it has secured and update its private browsing disclosures to clearly explain the data it collects. Users are also provided with the option to disable third-party cookies within this feature.
These updated terms, which hold Google accountable, have been filed in California federal court and are currently awaiting approval by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
Google’s penalty is part of a broader wake-up call for companies
The case found that Google was unclear about its data access and usage, leaving open the possibility of a level of legal action that could help establish an important precedent for the company.
As consumers become more aware of their privacy rights, companies can no longer afford to avoid liability, said Forrester senior analyst Stephanie Liu.
“The rise in privacy-oriented class actions and complaints shows that consumers are increasingly privacy-savvy and taking action,” Liu said.
“Transparency is important. Companies need to explain how data is shared and used,” she added.
Going forward, companies will need to ensure they are open and honest about where and how they are tracking data. Such breaches would leave companies vulnerable to accusations of data misuse, Liu noted.
“There has been a steady stream of complaints, lawsuits, and regulatory actions centered on companies collecting or sharing customer data in unexpected ways,” she said.
“The Google Chrome settlement is part of a broader trend of consumers filing complaints about their data being used in unexpected ways.”
For example, Meta found itself embroiled in a growing trend of privacy class actions when it was forced to pay $725 million in 2022. Regarding Cambridge Analytica’s handling of personal user information.
Although Meta did not admit guilt as part of the settlement, it was still the largest amount ever paid as part of a privacy lawsuit.
Going back a bit, Zoom agreed to pay $85 million to resolve privacy violation claims Object to anything related to the sharing of personal user data with other companies such as Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
This incident isn’t the only time Google has run up against privacy regulations in recent memory.The company paid a $391.5 million settlement in 2022 after allegations that it improperly tracked location data.