An American technology firm known for its Chrome browser has reached a preliminary settlement in a lawsuit that centers on the alleged handling of private data collected from users. The case has an estimated value of at least five billion dollars and involves claims about how data was gathered during online activity across Google’s suite of services. Lawyers for both sides confirmed the development and indicated that a formal agreement would move forward through the court system.
The terms of the proposed settlement have not been publicly disclosed, but attorneys involved indicated that Google agreed to a binding set of conditions. Those terms are expected to be submitted for judicial approval by a specified deadline in early 2024, with observers watching closely how the court will assess the proposed remedies and any potential remedies for affected users.
According to the plaintiffs’ filing, the suite of Google apps allegedly enabled data collection about user behavior even when the Chrome browser was operated in a private browsing mode. The described practices purportedly allowed the company to assemble a profile of individuals, including personal interests, routines, and various online searches that users might consider sensitive or embarrassing.
The civil action was originally brought in California in 2020 and is said to involve millions of users who relied on Google’s services. The plaintiffs seek damages that would amount to at least five thousand dollars per affected individual, arguing that the conduct violated federal wiretapping statutes along with California privacy laws designed to safeguard consumer information.
In a public statement, the defendant asserted that certain data collection activities would be halted and that geolocation data would no longer be shared with law enforcement agencies under the terms of any settlement. Legal observers note that what ultimately emerges from negotiations may redefine how data collected in browser use is handled and what protections are afforded to users moving forward.
Analysts emphasize that the outcome will have implications beyond the immediate case, potentially influencing policies for major technology platforms, how private browsing features are depicted, and the expectations users have about what data is collected while people search, stream, or socialize online. The dispute highlights the ongoing debate over privacy rights, data governance, and the balance between service improvements and individual consent. Attribution: Reuters (via legal representatives for the parties).