Google, part of Alphabet Inc., has consented to a settlement over allegations of covertly tracking users’ private internet sessions. The case, which was set for trial on February 5, 2024, has been paused, following the announcement of a preliminary agreement between the tech giant and the plaintiff class.
The lawsuit, which demanded upwards of $5 billion in damages, accused Google of monitoring users online activities through its analytics and cookies, even when browsers were set to private modes like “Incognito.” This practice, according to the plaintiffs, transformed Google into a repository of sensitive personal data, ranging from users’ interests to potentially private search histories.
While the exact terms of the settlement remain under wraps, the parties have reached a consensus via mediation, with a formal settlement proposal expected to be submitted for judicial approval by February 24, 2024.
