Google judge Must Face Lawsuit claims Chrome scratches users in Incognito mode

A California judge has ruled that Google must address a class action lawsuit alleging that it secretly monitors the online activity of Chrome users even when they are use the browser in its privacy – focused Incognito mode (via Bloomberg).

The lawsuit was filed in June by three planners alleging that Google is building user data through Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager and other applications and site plug-ins. web, including smartphone apps, regardless of whether users click on ads supported by Google.

The complaints allege that Google is thus misleading customers into believing that they are in control of the information they share with the company when using Chrome’s private browsing method. and in doing so, violate federal wiretap laws.

According to the plaintiffs, the lawsuit appears to cover “millions” of Google users who, as of June 1, 2016, were browsing the Internet using the Incognito method. So the proposed class action seeking $ 5,000 in damages per user for violations of federal wire violations and California privacy laws, amounts to at least $ 5 billion.

Google tried to dismiss the case by arguing that the complaints violated its privacy policy, which the company publicly stated discloses its data protection practices.

“Google also makes it clear that ‘Incognito’ does not mean ‘invisible,’ and that the user’s activity during that session may be visible on the websites they host. and any third – party analytics or advertising services used by the websites visited, “Google said in a court file.

However, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh ruled that the company “did not inform users that Google is involved in the collection of the accused data while the user is in private browsing mode. . “

Google has said it “strongly” defends itself against the claims.