Google remains one of the prominent internet search engines. It provides users with search results that contain the most relevant and trusted data available. Moreover, users could access other sites using the Google platform. Over time, Google has become one of the top browsing tools people use frequently.
For some users that desire to remain hidden while browsing, Google has made them believe in the possibility of anonymity. The search engine introduced a private browsing mode that will conceal users’ identities and protect their privacy.
However, it seems from the recent turn of events that Google’s private browsing mode lacks privacy. Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, stated that Google retrieves users’ data even while using its private browsing mode. The Attorney General opened up this issue on Thursday as he filed a lawsuit over amended privacy against Alphabet Inc (an arm of Google). According to him, this action is against the belief of these users, that expect to be anonymous as they browse.
Besides this newly filed case, Google has been on the tour of accumulated lawsuits from different places. In January, it has gotten separate suits in state courts from Indiana, Texas, the District of Columbia, and Washington State. All the cases against the search engine were centered on its deceit in the act of tracking users’ location. Such practices display a clear invasion of the users’ privacy even when Google claims to provide a private browsing mode.
Paxton lawsuit details
In his January lawsuit, Paxton included Google’s Incognito mode. He explained that by using the mode, Google is not supposed to track the user’s location, activity, or search history.
According to Paxton, Google has not been truthful to its users. The search engine operates in deceit as it confuses users to think that they have privacy protection. However, Google continuously tracks users’ locations even as they demand anonymous operations.
The lawsuits mentioned that Google’s Incognito mode releases access to strict personal websites that could reveal some hidden information. In some cases, browsers could stumble into confidential data on health, political engagement, and even sexual activities. Moreover, the Attorney General added that some involvement from Google tilts towards its targeted adverts.
However, Google has not been honoring its Incognito mode. It would still, through fallacious moves, gather its users’ personal data that engage through the private browsing mode.
Google responds to the alleged privacy bridge
On its part, Google has retorted against Paxton’s claims as false. It mentioned on Thursday that the Attorney General’s filed case has no accurate bases. Also, the claims are composed of outdated assumptions that round its setting. Google reiterated that its products are strongly designed for maximum operation. It integrates great privacy features into all its projects such that there are adequate controls covering all location data.
Furthermore, Google expressed its displeasure over the entire saga. It wages their disagreement on the claims and their readiness for a defense that will correct the misconception.
