Google agrees to settle allegations of spying on people using “incognito mode” on Chrome browser

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google has agreed to settle a $5 billion privacy lawsuit alleging it spied on people who used the “incognito” mode in its Chrome browser — along with similar “private” modes in other browsers — to track their internet use.

The lawsuit filed in 2020 says Google misled users into believing that it wouldn’t track their internet activities while incognito.

The settlement was reached Thursday.

It must still be approved by a federal judge. Terms weren’t disclosed, but the suit originally sought $5 billion on behalf of users.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers said they expect to present the court with a final settlement agreement by Feb. 24.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.