Google is testing new disclaimer about data collection in Chrome’s incognito mode

Google is testing a new disclaimer in a recent Canary build of Chrome that states more clearly that data about the user is also collected in incognito mode. It is not known if and when the new disclaimer will be used for the release version of Chrome.

Source: MSPoweruser

The new Chrome Incognito Mode home screen includes according to MSPoweruser the new text: “Others using this device won’t be able to see your activity, so you can enjoy more private browsing. This doesn’t change how data is collected by websites you visit and services you use, including Google. Downloads, bookmarks, and reading list items are stored.”

So far, Google mentions at the bottom of the home screen of the incognito mode that activities in the browser may be viewed by visited websites, administrators and internet providers, but does not mention that Google can also collect data about the user. It is not officially clear why the company is changing the explanation of the mode, although according to MSPoweruser it is possible that a lawsuit from a few years ago has something to do with this. Users then sued Google in a class action lawsuit by continuing to apply tracking in the browser regardless of whether private mode was enabled or not. According to the company, users can manually disable this option. This option has been available since 2020.