Legal Settlement Shines Spotlight on Privacy in Chrome’s ‘Incognito’ Mode: What You Need to Know

A legal settlement has recently brought fresh attention to the widely used private browsing mode, known as “Incognito,” in Google’s Chrome browser. While this feature has been available for almost ten years, its functionality and implications have been under scrutiny due to this settlement disclosed in a federal court. The primary aim of this settlement is to enhance privacy for users utilizing Incognito mode in Chrome while browsing the internet.

The settlement, unveiled on Monday, doesn’t involve direct monetary compensation for consumers. However, the attorneys who initiated the case in June 2020 estimate that the stricter privacy measures could be valued between $4.75 billion to $7.8 billion, considering the safeguarded personal information. This development underscores the growing significance of privacy concerns in the digital age.

Private browsing modes have become a standard feature in nearly every major browser. Let’s delve into what these modes do and don’t offer for internet users.

**What private browsing actually does:**

Enabling your browser’s private mode essentially initiates a clean slate for your browsing session. It eliminates the benefits of browser personalization, such as history-based suggestions and autocomplete features. Additionally, users typically need to sign into their accounts afresh.

Upon closing the incognito window, your browser clears the browsing history and any cookies generated during that session. This local action means that your browser won’t retain information about visited sites or form entries. Private browsing can be particularly useful for conducting searches on sensitive topics or ensuring added security when using public computers.

**What private browsing doesn’t do:**

It’s crucial to understand that private browsing mode doesn’t conceal the fact that you visited a website but rather hides this information from your device.

Despite using incognito mode, websites can still detect your location through your IP address, and your internet service provider may log your activities. As long as your IP address is visible, your identity and online actions remain exposed to search engines and third parties, including advertisers. This vulnerability was highlighted in a recent lawsuit settlement with Google, which agreed to erase billions of records collected from individuals using incognito mode and enhance privacy disclosures.

Furthermore, files downloaded or bookmarks created during a private session aren’t automatically erased, leaving users susceptible to potential security threats like viruses, malware, and keystroke loggers.

**Are there options for more private browsing?**

While private browsing features provide a level of privacy, they’re not foolproof. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can obscure your IP address, making it harder for sites to track you. However, the use of VPNs introduces additional security considerations, especially with free or low-cost providers.

Some search engines, such as DuckDuckGo, prioritize privacy and pledge not to collect personal information or track user queries. Additionally, specialized browsers like Tor aim to thwart third-party trackers and advertisers.

Despite these options, achieving complete anonymity online remains unlikely. Users should be mindful of their digital footprint and take proactive steps to protect their privacy while navigating the internet landscape.