Judge in Google case disturbed that 'incognito' users are tracked (bnnbloomberg.ca)

Article summary

A judge in a case against Google is concerned that the company's 'incognito' mode does not provide the level of privacy users expect, as Google's analytics and advertising services can still track users' browsing history. Google's lawyers argue that the company clearly states that incognito mode only prevents Chrome from saving browsing history, but does not prevent websites from tracking users. The case centers on whether Google's description of incognito mode is misleading to users. The issue highlights the complexities of online tracking and user privacy.

Main themes

• online tracking
• user privacy
• incognito mode
• Google Analytics
• conflict of interest
• transparency in data collection

What commenters say

• The distinction between Chrome and Google Analytics is significant in a legal context, as they are separate entities with different purposes.
• Google's description of incognito mode is misleading, as it implies that users will not be tracked, when in fact Google Analytics can still collect data.
• The onus is on the user to understand how third-party tracking works, and Google's description of incognito mode is clear about what it does and does not do.
• Incognito mode should be rebranded to better reflect its actual functionality, which is to prevent local storage of browsing history, not to prevent tracking by websites.
• Google's control of both Chrome and Google Analytics creates a conflict of interest, as the company can profit from tracking users even when they are in incognito mode.
• The detectability of incognito mode is a complex issue, as making it detectable could enable blocking of users, but not making it detectable allows Google Analytics to collect data without distinction.
• The integration of Google's services is inherently problematic, as it creates conflicts of interest and makes it difficult for users to understand what data is being collected and how it is being used.