Google Settles Privacy Lawsuit, Commits to Data Destruction

Google has agreed to dispose of billions of data records as part of a settlement to address allegations that it covertly monitored the internet activities of users who believed they were browsing in private.

The terms of the settlement were submitted on Monday to the federal court in Oakland, California, and await approval from United States (US) District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

Lawyers representing the plaintiffs estimated the settlement's worth at over $5 billion, potentially reaching as high as $7.8 billion.

While users will not receive direct compensation, they retain the right to pursue individual claims for damages.

Google Users' "Private" Surfing History Tracked Since 2016

The class action, initiated in 2020, encompasses millions of Google users who utilised private browsing features since 1 June 2016.

Allegations assert that Google's analytics, cookies, and applications allowed the Alphabet unit to improperly track individuals who activated Google's Chrome browser in "Incognito" mode or other browsers in "private" browsing mode.

Google in Process of Revision of Disclosures

Under the terms of the settlement, Google will revise its disclosures regarding data collection in "private" browsing, a process already underway.

Additionally, users in "Incognito" mode will have the option to block third-party cookies for a period of five years.

“The result is that Google will collect less data from users' private browsing sessions, and that Google will make less money from the data," the plaintiffs' lawyers wrote.

Google on the Fence

Although Google has long maintained the lawsuit's lack of merit, the company expressed satisfaction with reaching a settlement, as stated by Google spokesman Jose Castaneda.

While Google supports the final approval of the settlement, it disagrees with the plaintiffs' legal and factual assertions, as outlined in court documents.

In a statement, David Boies, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, called the settlement:

"…a historic step in requiring honesty and accountability from dominant technology companies.”