Data collection by technological companies has been a heavy discussion subject for years, especially as Privacy laws started to be tightened and the public is increasingly concerned about their data sold and used against their wishes. One of the companies that has been in coherent hot water because of this is Google, like the technology giant was known for Pinpe the laws on confidentiality and data collection prohibitions For decades now. In the last case against them, the complainant were able to prove that Google has collected mobile data without the consent of individuals, Even when they had their The incognito mode of the activated browser.
This is a problem for two reasons, the first being that without consent the data Who is collected must be deleted or at least kept until it is, and this is not what happened here. The second reason is that incognito mode promise do not back up any of the data It is an entry into the browser, so it should not be collected in any way. Since it was such obvious violation of privacy laws, It is not surprising that a California’s state jury penalized Google with a payment of $ 314 million in members of the collective appeal This highlighted this problem.
The Google collective appeal which brought back the laws on confidentiality to the spotlight
THE Class REVERY WORKas deposited in 2019 by more than 14 million Americans. Their statement was that Android phones configured by Google To send information to the company not only when it was connected Wi-Fi, But also when they used mobile data (that many users deactivate because the sending of information generally occupies many data and for those who do not have unlimited plans, this is an expense). Like the trial explained, since they did this Without user consentThis involved “compulsory and inevitable use” of personal resources for the exclusive advantage of Google without advantage to the users given in return.
And the jury agreed with the complaint, explaining in their response that “Google was responsible for sending and receiving information from the aircraft without authorization when they were inactive. »»
The reasons Google give Save this data were usual, improving the accuracy of location services and optimizing targeted advertising, which are all key corners of key The mother company of Google Alphabet Trade model. Although this is disclosed in the habit User contract that customers sign with Google When they buy a new device, most Users do not agree to send data When there is no Wi-Fi available and none of them Consent to shared data from incognito mode, despite Google Ask each time you open one of these tabs.
The company’s counter said that No Android user was injured by data transfers, But that was not enough to influence the jury to their advantage, as the Applicant lawyer Glen Summers said the verdict “strongly justifies the advantages of this case and reflects the gravity of Google misconduct. “”
On the other side, Google José Castañeda spokesperson said in a press release that the company would appeal and that the verdict “denounces the crucial services for the safety, performance and reliability of Android devices,” according to Reuters.
Another Google spokesman said The penis that “Incognito mode in chrome gives you the opportunity to browse the web without your activity being saved to your browser or your device “, adding that” as we clearly indicate each time you open a new Incognito tab, Website can collect information on your navigation activity during your session. But like the trial Proven, it might not be as true as we would like.
