Can Google Track You in Incognito Mode?

Yes, Google will track your online activities even while you are in Incognito mode. Incognito mode prevents your browser from saving your search history or allowing cookies on your device. However, it does not make you invisible. Many people assumed this mode provided complete privacy, which led to the recent 2020 class-action lawsuit. Though it protects you against local tracking, Google, websites you visit, and even your internet service provider can still see your activity. If you think you were tracked by Google Incognito illegally, read what rights you have and find out if you qualify to file a lawsuit. 

 

Is Google Incognito Really Private?

 

Incognito mode is useful for basic privacy, like preventing others who use your device from viewing your history. Incognito also prevents “cookies” and form data from being saved on your device. When you close the Incognito window, those records disappear from your local machine.

 

What Are Cookies?

 

Certain sites track users through cookies saved in the browser, which Incognito mode deletes after the session ends. A cookie is a small file stored on your device by a website to remember information about your visit, like login status, preferences, or tracking data. 

 

Google Still Gathers Data While You’re in Incognito

 

Incognito mode doesn’t stop Google from gathering data when you’re signed into a Google account or using its services. Services like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Search will collect data on your usage while signed in, even in Incognito.

 

Websites Can Track You Through Your IP Address

 

Websites and your internet service provider (ISP) can still see your activity. Incognito mode doesn’t hide your IP address, which means sites can track your behavior across multiple visits and may log your browsing in their records.

 

Network Administrators Will Also See Your Activity 

 

If you’re on a network managed by someone else (such as a school or workplace), they can monitor your activity. Incognito doesn’t prevent network administrators from tracking usage or seeing which sites you visit.

 

You Can Do More to Protect Your Privacy

 

If you wish to protect your privacy while on the web, you could investigate using a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your IP address. You can also switch to a browser that prioritizes your privacy and does not store your personal data. There are also browser extensions designed to block trackers and secure connections. Additionally, you should make it a regular habit to clear all cookies on your device. These solutions are not always perfect, however.

 

The Google Incognito Class-Action Lawsuit Addressed Privacy Concerns

 

The recent class-action lawsuit against Google Incognito highlighted the public’s growing concerns regarding big tech companies like Google infringing upon users’ basic rights to privacy. Google agreed to settle this class-action lawsuit, and part of the terms of that settlement was deleting billions of data records. They have also agreed to change their disclosure policies, but they will continue to collect data. 

 

Though no money was awarded in this Incognito settlement, those affected by Google’s data collection while in Incognito mode can file a lawsuit against the tech giant.

 

Take the quiz now to see if you qualify to file an Incognito Mode lawsuit.