Google Settles Chrome Incognito Tracking Case, Lawsuit Asks for $5 Billion

A notorious case of Google which started in 2020 is soon reaching its end, as the internet company is looking to settle the massive fines regarding the Chrome incognito tracking issue raised against them. Originally, the lawsuit asks for a $5 billion settlement against the search giant, but it will fall on the federal judge presiding over the case on the total amount the company would pay.

In a span of three years, the plaintiffs saw various events unfold, from its filing to the different happenings where it would have lost a bid to appeal the case.

Google to Settle Chrome Incognito Tracking Case

Ars Technica first reported that Google has agreed to settle the case against them from 2020, with it accusing the tech giant of Chrome's incognito mode still tracking user data despite using its features. It was said that Google and the plaintiffs had already agreed to certain terms, and this in turn would dismiss the litigation, ending all the claims against its browser.

Earlier this year, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected Google's plea for a summary judgment, highlighting that Google did not reveal that it continued to collect data despite using incognito.

Moreover, it was said by Judge Rogers that Google's regular browsing mode and the incognito have "the same logs" regarding data collection.

Originally, the Lawsuit Asked for $5 Billion

The original lawsuit asked for a massive damages fee that would set Google as much as $5 billion, but it was not yet revealed whether the company would still be given this fine in the final decision. The terms were already set and submitted to the court, but their agreement will only be presented to the court come late January, with the final verdict to be presented by February.

The Incognito Tracking Issue

For three years, the plaintiffs have pursued Google in this massive case of incognito mode tracking, a renowned feature of Chrome that promises a private browsing experience. While many things took place, there were once reports and events in court where that would have ended the case, but the higher authorities have stepped in, and in 2021, Google's motion for dismissal was denied.

However, fast forward to two years later, in 2023, the plaintiffs have lost an appeal to pursue the collection of money damages against Google, centering on a lower court decision. Still, this did not get Google out of the woods as another ruling from a federal judge turned down the company's plea for a summary judgment, with the $5 billion fine hanging over their heads.

After a supposed move towards trial in November not happen, the case is now reaching its final moments where the defendant, Google, is looking to settle the case. However, there are still no final verdicts handed down, and it remains unknown if the company will be compelled to pay the $5 billion plaintiffs are seeking against the company, but the sure thing is there would be changes in Chrome's incognito tracking.