The Incognito Mode in Google Chrome does not prevent websites or internet services from tracking users, according to a new disclaimer found in a beta version of the browser. This update comes amid Google settling a $5 billion class-action lawsuit accusing it of tracking Incognito users. The warning in the pre-release version now clarifies that while others using the same device won’t see the user’s activity, it does not change how data is collected by the websites visited or the services they use, including Google. The disclaimer notes that downloads, bookmarks, and reading list items will still be saved.
Incognito Mode in web browsers, including Google Chrome, is commonly misunderstood as providing complete privacy and preventing all tracking. In reality, it only prevents the browser from recording internet history, entered form information, and cookies on the device. The disclaimer now emphasizes that data collection by websites, services, and Google still occurs.
To achieve more comprehensive privacy and hide internet activity, the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is recommended. Google Chrome lists the information that may still be visible, such as browsing history, cookies, and site data, to websites, employers or schools, and internet service providers.
Other web browsers like Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox also offer similar privacy modes, but users should be aware that these modes do not make online activity entirely untraceable. Dr. Brydon Wang of the Queensland University of Technology explained that Incognito Mode is like deleting the path of a car journey from the navigation system, but it doesn’t prevent others along the road or surveillance cameras from tracking where the user has been.