Have you ever switched over to a private browser to search for something you didn’t want appearing in your search history? If so, you’re far from alone. One survey showed that more than 45% of people had used private browsing, and more than 30% used it daily. The numbers were lower for mobile users, but still significant?

The most common reason for private browsing? The search was “embarrassing.”

For years, users believed that using “incognito mode” in Google’s Chrome browser to search and visit websites meant their activities weren’t being tracked. But plaintiffs in the class action suit Brown et al v. Google LLC et al, currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, say that wasn’t always true.

What is the Google Private Browsing Case About? 

In simple terms, the class action claims that Google “surreptitiously intercepted” user information when they were browsing in incognito mode. They say this interception breached Google’s contract with them, was an invasion of privacy, and violated other laws. 

What’s Happening in the Google Class Action Now? 

The case was originally set for trial on February 5, 2024. Google and attorneys for the class reached a preliminary settlement in December, so that trial didn’t happen. As of mid-February, the settlement hasn’t been finalized yet. We’ll update this page and our blog when that changes. 

Are You Eligible for the Google Private Browsing Settlement? 

Attorneys for the class have estimated that millions of people who have used the Chrome browser in incognito mode since June 1, 2016 may be eligible to share in the settlement. So, how do you get your share?

Because the settlement hasn’t been finalized, there’s no claim form yet. Don’t worry! You can sign up with Class Action Recovery Experts right now and we’ll let you know when it’s time to take the next steps. We’ll even file the claim for you

Sign up now

Our team of experts knows that many people lose out on class action settlements because they find out too late, don’t know how to file their claim, or just miss a deadline. We’re dedicated to making sure you get every class action payout you’re entitled to. Sign up here.

Disclaimer: Claim forms are not available yet. Class members need not sign up for a third-party service in order to recover their share of the settlement. No-cost assistance is available from the Class Administrator and Class Counsel. We will provide the settlement website when it is made available. .