Google 'private browsing' mode not really private, Texas lawsuit says
The Hindu
The suit said “in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode.”
The Google search engine collects data on users who think they can be anonymous if they use a "private browsing" mode, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed on Thursday, filing an amended privacy lawsuit against the Alphabet Inc unit.
(Sign up to our Technology newsletter, Today’s Cache, for insights on emerging themes at the intersection of technology, business and policy. Click here to subscribe for free.)
Texas, Indiana, Washington State and the District of Columbia filed separate suits against Google in January in state courts over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users' privacy.
Paxton's filing adds Google's Incognito mode to the lawsuit filed in January. Incognito mode or "private browsing" is a web browser function that Paxton said implies Google will not track search history or location activity.
The lawsuit said Google offers the option of "private browsing" that could include "viewing highly personal websites that might indicate, for example, their medical history, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they simply want to buy a surprise gift without the gift recipient being tipped off by a barrage of targeted ads."
The suit said "in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode."
Google said on Thursday that Paxton's filing is again "based on inaccurate claims and outdated assertions about our settings. We have always built privacy features into our products and provided robust controls for location data."
The government plans to amend the FCRA, introducing new regulations for NGO asset management and accountability for key functionaries.
The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.
Police Observer Sushant Kumar Saxena conducts surprise inspection at Shencottai police station, reviewing warrants and security arrangements ahead of elections.
Andhra Pradesh government to launch key projects in April, focusing on industrial growth and infrastructure development, says Nara Lokesh.
Lok Sabha refers the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill to a JPC amid opposition concerns over CSR provisions dilution.
SHG members in Kanniyakumari use snakes and ladders to raise election awareness and boost voter turnout.
Government accelerates consultations for early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act to ensure women’s representation in 2029 elections.
CM A. Revanth Reddy distributes ₹1 crore insurance cheques to families of deceased Electricity department employees, enhancing financial security for workers.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) registered 634 cases of drunk driving during a week-long special enforcement drive conducted across the city between March 16 and March 22.
GHMC intensifies action against property tax defaulters, seizing properties and offering a One Time Settlement scheme for payments.
CCB arrests three drug peddlers in Mangaluru, seizing ₹2.5 lakh worth of MDMA and other valuables.
TVK's 28 candidates in Puducherry include former BJP MLAs, a sitting Independent, and a retired police IG.
BRS submits notice on private member bill to Speaker