Surprise! Using Google incognito may get you $5,000!

Using Google incognito? You may be eligible for a US$5,000 payout

If you’ve ever used Google incognito mode, your online privacy may not have been as secure as you thought. A bombshell lawsuit against Google has revealed that the tech giant has been secretly tracking user data even when users believed they were browsing privately. This could mean that your personal browsing history was collected without your knowledge or consent.

Google incognito mode tracking: A privacy breach

Now, a massive settlement could mean that you’re entitled to a substantial payout—potentially as much as US$5,000. With millions of users potentially affected, the scope of this privacy breach is staggering. The lawsuit, filed in early 2024, alleges that Google misled users into believing their online activities were fully protected when, in fact, they were not.

As the settlement terms continue to unfold, the eligibility criteria for payouts remain under discussion. But if you’ve been a regular user of Google incognito mode, you could be among those entitled to compensation. Don’t miss out—stay informed and be prepared to take action.

Visit the lawsuit website now to see if you qualify, and take steps to safeguard your online privacy immediately. Your data—and potentially thousands of dollars—may be at stake.

Potential payout for incognito mode users

A recent lawsuit against Google has resulted in a settlement that could see users who have used Google incognito mode receive a significant payout.

The lawsuit, which was filed in early 2024, alleged that Google had misled users into believing that their online activities were completely private when using incognito mode. In reality, Google was still collecting and tracking user data, even when Google incognito mode was enabled.

The settlement terms have not been fully disclosed, but it is believed that Google will be paying a significant amount of money to resolve the lawsuit. While the specific figure of US$5,000 per user hasn’t been officially confirmed, it is a widely discussed amount.

CORSAIR VOYAGER a1600

PRO AMD ADVANTAGE EDITION | WORKSTATION LAPTOP

Buy Now

Eligibility and claim process

If you have used Google incognito mode, you may be eligible for a payout. The exact criteria for eligibility are still being determined, but it is likely that users who have used Google incognito mode on a regular basis will be eligible for the largest payouts.

To find out if you are eligible for a payout, you can visit the website for the lawsuit. The website will likely have information on how to file a claim.

It is important to note that the settlement is still ongoing, and the final terms may differ.

In the meantime, it is recommended that users continue to be cautious about their online activities. Even when using Google incognito mode, it is important to be aware that your data may still be collected and tracked.

The best online VPN service for speed and security | NordVPN

Registering for the settlement

To register for the Google Chrome Incognito Mode settlement, follow these steps:

Visit the official settlement website: Go to the settlement website at Google May Have Misled You About Incognito Mode Privacy – Claim Your Compensation (or search for the official site if this URL changes).
Check eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify for the settlement. Generally, you must have used Google Chrome’s Incognito mode between June 1, 2016, and the date specified in the settlement.
Complete the claim form: Fill out the claim form available on the website. You may need to provide personal details, such as your name, email address, and proof of using Chrome’s Incognito mode if required.
Submit your claim: Once you’ve completed the form, submit it through the website. Make sure to do this before the deadline specified on the settlement site.
Wait for approval and payment: After submitting your claim, you will receive a confirmation. The settlement administrator will review your claim, and if approved, you will be notified about the payout process.

Always ensure you’re using the official website to avoid scams, and consider reading the full details and terms of the settlement on the website. The case is Calhoun et al v Google LLC, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 22-16993.

How to protect your online privacy and avoid future data exploitation?

The recent revelation that Google’s incognito mode may not be as private as users were led to believe has sparked a wave of concern among internet users. Many thought their online activities were shielded from tracking while using this feature, but it turns out Google was still collecting data even when incognito mode was enabled. This breach of trust has left many wondering: how can we truly protect our privacy online? Here are some strategies to ensure that you don’t fall victim to similar incidents in the future.

1. Use privacy-focussed browsers

One of the most effective ways to protect your data is to switch to a browser that prioritises user privacy. Unlike mainstream browsers that may track your activity, privacy-focussed options such as Brave, Firefox, and DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser are designed to block trackers and protect your data by default. These browsers do not collect any personal information and have built-in features to block ads and trackers, providing a more secure browsing experience.

2. Enable enhanced privacy settings

If you prefer to continue using your current browser, make sure to adjust the privacy settings for enhanced protection. Here’s what you can do:

Block third-party cookies: This prevents advertisers and websites from tracking your browsing across different sites.
Use do not track: Although not all websites honor this request, enabling the “Do Not Track” feature in your browser settings adds an extra layer of protection.
Disable location and camera access: Many websites request access to your location and camera. Disable these permissions unless absolutely necessary.

3. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) masks your IP address, making your online activities untraceable and protecting your personal data from being collected by third parties. Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost offer robust encryption and privacy features that can significantly enhance your online security. Be sure to choose a reputable VPN provider that has a strict no-logs policy to ensure your browsing history is not stored.

4. Regularly clear cookies and cache

Cookies and cache files can store a lot of personal data and can be used by websites to track your behavior online. Make it a habit to regularly clear your cookies and cache. This will help minimize the amount of information websites can collect about you.

Why use a VPN

SECURITY: Our secure VPN sends your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel, so your passwords and confidential data stay safe, even over public or untrusted Internet connections.

PRIVACY: Keep your browsing history private. As a Swiss VPN provider, we do not log user activity or share data with third parties. Our anonymous VPN service enables Internet without surveillance.

FREEDOM: We created ProtonVPN to protect the journalists and activists who use ProtonMail. ProtonVPN breaks down the barriers of Internet censorship, allowing you to access any website or content.

Get ProtonVPN Now

5. Use encrypted messaging and email services

Many popular messaging and email platforms collect data from your conversations and emails. Switching to encrypted services like Signal for messaging and ProtonMail for email ensures that your communications are kept private. These services use end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and the person you are communicating with can read the messages.

6. Be wary of browser extensions

While browser extensions can enhance your browsing experience, they can also be a source of data leaks. Only install extensions from reputable sources, and regularly review and remove any that you do not use or trust. Some extensions request extensive permissions; so be mindful of what data they have access to.

7. Stay informed about privacy policies

Before using any online service, take the time to read its privacy policy. This can provide insight into what data is being collected and how it is being used. If a service does not clearly state its privacy practices, or if it seems overly invasive, consider looking for a more privacy-conscious alternative.

8. Use anti-tracking tools

There are several tools available that are designed specifically to block tracking and enhance privacy. Tools like Privacy Badger and Ghostery can help prevent websites from tracking your behaviour. These tools analyse website scripts and block those that seem to be tracking your activity without your consent.

9. Consider using Tor for anonymous browsing

For those who require an even higher level of privacy, the Tor Browser provides anonymous browsing by routing your internet traffic through multiple servers before reaching its destination. This makes it incredibly difficult for anyone to track your activities back to you. However, because of this process, Tor can be slower than other browsers and may not be suitable for all users.

10. Educate yourself and stay vigilant

Ultimately, the best defence against privacy breaches is knowledge. Stay informed about the latest privacy practices and data protection laws, and be vigilant about how your data is being used. Awareness and proactive measures are key to ensuring your privacy online.

454608767 912615117567983 7347151526335702200 n

AI Courses | Online Courses for All Levels

AI Courses AI courses delve into the theory and application of algorithms that enable machines to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks autonomously. Build your skills in topics such as generative AI, prompt engineering, deep learning and more.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your data being exploited by companies and other third parties. Protecting your online privacy requires a combination of the right tools, settings, and habits, but the effort is worth the peace of mind knowing that your personal information is secure. Stay cautious, stay informed, and take control of your online privacy today.

______________________________