Google is now making efforts to ensure users understand the meaning of Incognito Mode on its Chrome browser following a class-action lawsuit that cost the company $5 billion.
The publication MSPoweruser discovered Google tested a Canary build of Chrome with an updated definition of Incognito Mode that more clearly spells out the stipulations of what is hidden when you enter the browsing state. The new disclaimer includes an added line in the first paragraph that reads: “This won’t change how data is collected by websites you visit and services you use.” Otherwise, it remains largely the same.
You can see the original version in the photo above. This difference is subtle, just emphasizing that your data will still be collected online in Incognito Mode, which was the basis of the lawsuit.
The update follows the 2021 class-action lawsuit settlement where those involved alleged they were not aware of the extent to which their data could still be accessed in Incognito Mode. Google, your ISP, and your employer can all view and collect data from your Chrome browser history, even in Incognito Mode.
Much of this information was already detailed in Google’s original disclaimer, which stated that the browser doesn’t save browser history, cookies and site data, as well as information entered in forms. Additionally, it indicated that browser activity might be visible to websites that you visit (for ad purposes), your employer or school, or your internet service provider.
Nevertheless, Google settled this case years ago and is moving forward with cleaning up any perceived errors. With this leak pertaining to a Canary build, or an early version with little testing, there’s no telling if or when the update will be available for public users, but it is a good sign that Google is taking this matter seriously. Still, no major changes have been made to the Google Chrome browser in terms of its overall functionality.
Many savvy online users often use a virtual private network (VPN) to keep their personal internet activities from prying eyes. Using more secure browsers with fewer tracking features and better Incognito Mode, including Firefox, Brave, and DuckDuckGo, is also a good option.
Google isn’t the only tech company that suffered legally due to data infringement. In April 2023, Meta (formerly Facebook) settled a $725 million class-action lawsuit, which detailed how the social media platform left users’ and their friends’ data exposed to third parties for profit. The suit added that Facebook had no rules or privacy protection in place for how third parties should interact with its users’ data.
More recently, a December 2023 data breach of the DNA testing company 23andMe made the brand quickly update its terms and services in an attempt to prevent a class-action lawsuit over compromised data.
Mozilla is giving Firefox’s Smart Window two new tricks. If you haven’t tried it yet, Smart Window is an optional AI mode in Firefox with a built-in chat that helps you get things done while you browse. With this update, it can fill out online forms using details from your tabs and keep an eye on websites for you.
Tired of typing the same details into every form?
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.