In response to a class-action lawsuit accusing Google of privacy violations, the tech giant is updating the warning message displayed in Chrome's Incognito mode. The updated warning aims to clarify that both Google and websites operated by other companies can still collect user data while browsing in this supposedly private mode.

The change comes as Google prepares to settle the ongoing lawsuit regarding privacy concerns related to Chrome's Incognito mode. The updated warning was recently incorporated into Chrome Canary, a nightly build designed for developers. This move appears to directly address one of the complaints raised in the lawsuit, which asserts that the original warning of Incognito mode fails to mention that Google collects user data even in this private browsing mode.

While tech-savvy individuals are already aware that private browsing modes do not fully prevent tracking by websites and internet service providers, many users may not fully understand the extent of Incognito mode's limitations. The more explicit warning could help educate users about the reality of their online privacy.

The new warning message, as seen in Chrome Canary, states: "You've gone Incognito. 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." The phrasing suggests that the warning encompasses both Google-owned websites and third-party websites that rely on Google's advertising services.

As of now, the updated warning has not been introduced in the developer, beta, and stable versions of Chrome or within Chromium. Reports about the change were initially brought to light by MSPowerUser.

The Incognito mode warning in the stable version of Chrome currently reads: "You've gone Incognito. Now you can browse privately, and other people who use this device won't see your activity." Among other modifications, the updated warning in Chrome Canary replaces "browse privately" with "browse more privately."

Both the stable and Canary versions of the warning acknowledge that browsing activity may still be visible to the "websites you visit," "your employer or school," or "your Internet service provider." However, it is currently only the updated warning in Canary that explicitly states that Incognito mode "won't change how data is collected by websites you visit and the services they use, including Google."

Both the original and updated warnings emphasize that Incognito mode prevents Chrome from saving browsing history, cookies and site data, and form inputs. However, they do mention that downloads, bookmarks, and reading list items will still be saved. Both versions of the warning provide a linked page offering more information on Incognito mode.

When approached for comment regarding the timing of the warning's release on Chrome's stable channel and its connection to the pending settlement, Google declined to provide specific details. Instead, the company offered a statement: "We're pleased to resolve this case which we've long disputed, and provide even more information to users about Incognito mode. Incognito mode in Chrome will continue to give people the choice to browse the Internet without their activity being saved to their browser or device."