Why did the judge comment that Google's data collection was 'confused'?



Web browsers such as Google Chrome have

a secret mode (privacy mode) function that allows you to browse without recording your browsing history. At a Google hearing on ``data collection issues for users who use privacy mode,'' a judge reportedly commented that he was ``confused'' about data collection in privacy mode, casting doubt on Google's stance. .

Judge in Google case disturbed that 'incognito' users are tracked - BNN Bloomberg
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/judge-in-google-case-disturbed-that-even-incognito-users-are-tracked-1.1569065

Unlike normal browsing, privacy mode is a function that allows you to browse websites without storing data such as website images, text, cache, cookies , etc. So when you end your session, your history and cache will be deleted from your browser, making it impossible to look up your browsing history later.

On the other hand, privacy mode is just a browsing mode that does not leave history in the browser, and does not provide complete anonymity to users. As with normal browsing, your IP address will be communicated to the website, and your Internet service provider may be aware of your activity.

For this reason, in June 2020, Google said, ``We also collect data about privacy mode browsing through other applications and website plugins, including Google Analytics , Google Ad Manager , and smartphone apps.'' A class action lawsuit seeking damages of approximately 530 billion yen has been filed.

A class action lawsuit seeking damages of about 540 billion yen against Google, ``Google collects personal information also from browsing in privacy mode,'' the plaintiff claims-GIGAZINE



A hearing related to this lawsuit was held on February 25, 2021 in the United States District Court in San Jose, California. During the hearing, Judge Lucy Coe was reported to have cast doubt on Google's stance, commenting that it was ``confused'' about Google's data collection practices.

On the other hand, Google's Andrew Shapiro attorney claims that data collection in privacy mode is explicitly disclosed in Google's privacy policy. It says that when you open an incognito mode tab in Chrome, your activity may be known to 'websites you visit,' 'employer or school (who owns the device you use),' and 'your Internet service provider.' It has been.



``The owners of websites that use Google's services are also aware of the data collection at issue in the lawsuit,'' said Google attorney Steven Bloom. Since the federal court's website also uses Google's services, it argued that the court should be aware of Google's data collection practices.

In response, Judge Coe expressed concern that the court's website may be unwittingly disclosing visitor data to Google. I asked to explain 'user information Google collects from the court's website and what it is used for.'

in Web Service,   Security, Posted by log1h_ik