Google settles $5bn lawsuit for 'private mode' tracking
BBC NewsJan 12
The Facts
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has paused a scheduled class action trial against Google alleging breaches of privacy law, following the agreement of a preliminary settlement.
The suit, initially filed on June 2, 2020, accused Google of collecting and selling the private data of users in Chrome's private browsing ("Incognito") mode — allegedly violating the Wiretap Act, the California Invasion of Privacy Act, and the Comprehensive Data Access and Fraud Act.
The Spin
Narrative A
The lawsuit has exposed Google's Incognito mode as a massive problem, and while firm in their defense against the lawsuit's allegations it's evident that the company's tool did not protect users as commonly expected. While Big Tech companies often treat such court cases as minor inconveniences, the truth concerning Incognito should be a warning to all about how vulnerable personal data really is online.
Narrative B
Although evidence certainly points towards Google's business model often seeking to undermine the privacy of its users, the reality remains that the search engine is by far the most popular of its kind. No matter what information the public absorbs concerning Google's malpractice, the consumers continue to use its product without hesitation. Unless there is an "e-revolution" capable of destroying the current status quo of the Big Tech monopolies, products like Google Chrome will continue to reign supreme.
Narrative C
Intentional privacy violations deserve to be punished. However, while the likes of Google have a responsibility to keep personal information as secure as possible, even the most successful Big Tech companies can't reasonably control and maintain the incomprehensible quantity of data that currently resides online. The safety of online data will only truly be secured through further technological advancements, rather than lawsuits focused upon commercial mistakes.