Google Chrome issues new warning for Incognito mode users

Google Chrome now shows a warning to users when they open the built-in Incognito Mode. Google Chrome introduced the Incognito Mode for users who want more privacy while browsing the internet. The Incognito Mode clears the history of browsing data after the browser is closed. Now, the warning issued by Google shows that the websites can still collect user data even if the user opens the site in Incognito mode. But, the history will not be recorded on the device so others won’t be able to see their activity.

The updated warning was issued after a lawsuit was filed that claimed that the Incognito Mode was not as private as advertised.

The new warning on Google Chrome Incognito Mode window says, ” Now you can browse privately, and other people who use this device won’t see your activity. However, downloads, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved.”

The new message displayed by Google now says “Others who use this device won’t see your activity, so you can browse more privately. This won’t change how data is collected by websites you visit and the services they use, including Google. Downloads, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved.”

That means the websites can still collect data on users visiting their sites while they are on Incognito Mode. The other details of items saved by Chrome locally on the device and the visibility of personal information to third parties remain the same, according to reports.

The changes came into effect to Chrome after Google reportedly said that it would be ending the class action lawsuit that began in 2020. The lawsuit accused the tech giant of “track, collect, and identify [users’] browsing data in real time” even when they had enabled Incognito Mode on their browser. The agreement is expected to be presented by the end of the month and approval could reportedly be granted in February.

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