Google Location Data Privacy & Incognito Mode Tracking Antitrust & Consumer Fraud Class Action Settlement
Case Overview
Two landmark privacy class actions targeted Google's alleged deceptive data collection practices. In the first — the 'Incognito Mode' case — plaintiffs alleged that Google continued to collect detailed browsing data through its analytics, ad-tech, and other tools even when users had activated Chrome's Incognito mode, which Google marketed as a private browsing experience. A federal judge allowed the case to proceed to trial in 2024, and Google ultimately agreed to a settlement requiring it to delete billions of data records, update its Incognito disclosures, and block third-party cookies in Incognito mode for five years — a structural remedy valued by plaintiffs at approximately $5 billion, though no direct cash payments were made to class members under the federal settlement.
In the second case, states and consumers alleged that Google manipulated device settings and deceived users into allowing location tracking even when they had explicitly disabled 'Location History' in their account settings — secretly continuing to gather location data through other means, including Web & App Activity. Google agreed to a $62 million settlement with 40 state attorneys general in 2022, followed by ongoing consumer class action proceedings. Collectively, these cases represent some of the most significant digital privacy litigation in U.S. history and led to tangible changes in how Google discloses and handles user data across its platforms.
Who May Qualify
For the Incognito Mode settlement, you may be eligible if you used Google Chrome's Incognito mode between June 1, 2016, and the settlement date and are a U.S. resident. For location data claims, you may be eligible if you used an Android device or Google account and had location tracking disabled while Google allegedly continued to collect your location information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Google spy on me in Incognito mode?
A federal lawsuit alleged — and Google did not deny — that it continued collecting browsing data through Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager, and other services even when users were in Incognito mode. Google's 2024 settlement required it to delete billions of collected data records and update its privacy disclosures for Incognito mode, representing an implicit acknowledgment that its prior disclosures were misleading.
Can I still file a claim in the Google Incognito Mode settlement?
The federal class action settlement's claims period closed in mid-2024. However, individual plaintiffs retained the right to sue Google directly for damages, and some state-level proceedings may still be ongoing. If you believe you have a significant individual claim, consult a privacy attorney to understand your remaining options.
How much money will I get from the Google privacy settlement?
The federal Incognito Mode settlement provided primarily injunctive relief (changes to Google's practices and data deletion) rather than direct cash payments to class members. The $62 million state AG location data settlement was distributed to the states rather than individual consumers. Individual class members in the federal case did not receive direct monetary payouts.
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