Leading internet engine search Google has been sued in a proposed class action whereby it’s being accused of illegally tracking private internet use of individuals. The search engine is accused of breaching privacy measures of millions of users who use browsers set in private mode.
The lawsuit is seeking a compensation of up to $5 billion from Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) the parent company of the search engine. It is alleged that Google has been illegally gathering data about what users are viewing online and which websites they are visiting notwithstanding the users are on private mode.
The case was filed in the federal court in San Jose, California, in which Google is accused of collecting the data via Google Ad manager, Google Analytics among other applications and websites plug-ins including smartphones regardless of whether the user opens the Google supported ad or not.
The complainant says Google uses the data to learn about personal behavior of the user including their hobbies, shopping habits, favorite places, most intimate moments, most embarrassing moments, their friends and hobbies among other things.
“Google cannot continue to engage in the covert and unauthorized data collection from virtually every American with a computer or phone,” said the complainant.
In response, Google’s spokesperson Jose Castaneda made it clear that the company is willing to do whatever it takes to protect itself from such untrue and malicious accusations.
“As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity,” added Castaneda.
