Google has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit that accused the tech giant of secretly tracking users' internet activities, even while they were browsing privately in the Chrome browser's incognito mode. The lawsuit alleged that Google's analytics, cookies, and apps allowed the company to unlawfully collect data on individuals who believed they were browsing in a private and secure manner.

According to court documents filed in the Oakland, California, federal court, the settlement terms require approval by US district judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. The class action lawsuit, which began in 2020, covers millions of Google users who have utilized private browsing since June 1, 2016.

Under the terms of the settlement, Google has agreed to update its disclosures regarding data collection during "private" browsing, a process that is already underway. Additionally, the company will enable incognito users to block third-party cookies for a period of five years. These measures aim to limit the data collected during private browsing sessions, thereby reducing Google's ability to profit from such information.

While users who were affected by the alleged privacy violations will not receive monetary damages as part of the settlement, they still retain the right to individually pursue legal action to seek compensation.

Lawyers representing the plaintiffs valued the settlement at more than $5 billion, with estimations reaching as high as $7.8 billion. Google has yet to comment on the settlement.

However, in court papers, Google expressed its support for the final approval of the settlement while disagreeing with the plaintiffs' characterization of the factual and legal aspects of the case. It is worth noting that Google has faced similar lawsuits in the past, indicating an ongoing scrutiny of its privacy practices.

Notably, in 2022, the Texas attorney general sued Google, claiming that the company's "incognito mode" implies to consumers that their search history and location data would not be tracked.

This settlement is considered by legal experts as a significant step towards holding tech companies accountable for their practices and promoting transparency in the industry. David Boies, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, called it "a historic step in requiring honesty and accountability from dominant technology companies."

The preliminary settlement was initiated in December, with a scheduled trial set for February 5, 2024. The settlement terms were not disclosed at the time, but the plaintiffs' lawyers plan to seek unspecified legal fees from Google in the future.

As the settlement awaits final approval, the outcome of this landmark case will likely shape the future of privacy regulations and practices within the technology sector.