It’s one of the most popular browsers around the world, and if you use Google Chrome, you could be eligible for a ($5,000) pay-out. A $5 billion class-action lawsuit has been filed against Google, amid claims the tech giant illegally gather information during users’ private browsing sessions.
The issue appears to be with Google’s Incognito Mode, which allows users to browse the web privately.
Lawyers from Boies Schiller Flexner law firm claim that Google gathered information about these browsing sessions, ‘even when those individuals expressly follow Google’s recommendations to prevent the tracking or collection of their personal information and communications.’
While browsing in Incognito Mode, Google states that it does not save your browsing history, cookies, site data, and data input into forms.
However, the tech giant is very clear that downloads and bookmarks will still be saved. The lawsuit claims that Google’s surreptitiously tracks users’ through various methods, including Google Analytics, the Google Ad Manager, and the Google Sign-In button.
Google disputes these claims and says that it will vigorously defend itself.
A spokesperson said: “Incognito mode in Chrome gives you the choice to browse the internet without your activity is saved to your browser or device.
“As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session.”
If Google is forced to pay-out, many Google Chrome users could be in line for a hefty sum.
To be eligible, you’ll need to have used Google’s Incognito Mode since June 1, 2016.
However, Google plans to defend itself against the claims, so we wouldn’t bank on the payout just yet.