Google, a technology company, faces legal action in the United States (US) to unlawfully monitor users even while in ‘private mode.’
Google was sued in the US for claims that it illegally invades users ‘ privacy by tracking people even in ‘private mode.’
Google and the Alphabet owner are expected to face charges of at least $5 billion.
Many Internet users believe that when browsing in private mode, their search history is not being monitored, but Google disputes any of the allegations.
The search engine denies this is illegal and says it is upfront about the data it collects in this mode.
The proposed class action probably includes “millions” of Google users who have browsed the internet in private mode since 1 June 2016, according to law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, who filed the lawsuit in California’s federal court.
Incognito mode inside Google’s Chrome browser offers users the option of browsing the internet without saving their actions to the client or laptop.
The lawsuit says Google can not continue communicating with a device or phone in the secret and illegal collection of data from practically every American.
Denying the claims Google spokesman Jose Castaneda said: “As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity”.
The search engine says the search history collection, even in private viewing mode, helps site owners to “better assess the performance of their content, products, marketing, and more.”
