Were you thinking why some adds are being shown related to what you might have searched while browsing on Google’s incognito mode? This surely has happened to you several times and but you ignored this assuming it as a mistake. But this time Google is facing a $5 billion class-action lawsuit in the US over allegations that its Chrome web browser collected user information even in Incognito mode. Yes, you have read it correctly and as mentioned Google has been interfering with consumer’s data even while browsing in Incognito mode.

The complaint is filed in a federal court in San Jose, California. It claims that Google gathers data for analytics purposes, whether users click on Google-supported ads and regardless of whether the browser is set to ‘Incognito’ mode, or private browsing. The lawsuit also seeks at least $5,000 of damages per user for violations of US wiretapping laws, as well as local privacy laws in California. “Google tracks and collects consumer browsing history and other web activity data no matter what safeguards consumers undertake to protect their data privacy”, the plaintiffs allege.

In this serious matter Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesman, said: “We strongly dispute these claims, and we will defend ourselves vigorously against them”. He also added, “…As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity”. Thus Google has clearly denied the allegations and claimed to defend themselves in every way possible. Mr. Castaneda also defended by mentioning that some websites might still access browsing data even in new tab of Incognito mode.

It is already known that private browsing mode doesn’t mean you’re up to something nefarious. Incognito mode in Chrome and Private Browsing in Firefox gives you the choice to surf the internet without your activity being logged, it is not the magic potion for complete digital anonymity. Because ISP (internet service provider), Government, several websites might still track based on your MAC Address, IP address, browser agent, device ID, and other identifying factors.

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