A huge lawsuit has been filed against tech giant Google - and you might be able to claim a payout as a result.
Google Chrome, one of the most popular worldwide browsers, is facing claims that it illegally gathers information from people's private browsing sessions, MirrorOnline has reported.
These are claims the tech giant strenuously denies.
A lawsuit worth £4bn ($5bn) has been filed against the company and those affected could be eligible for a £4,000 ($5,000) payout.
The claims
Lawyers from Boies Schiller Flexner law firm claim Google still got hold of information from those using its Incognito Mode to view the web privately "even when those individuals expressly follow Google’s recommendations to prevent the tracking or collection of their personal information and communications".
Google says Incognito Mode does not save your browsing history, cookies, site data and data inputted into forms.
But Google has always been clear that downloads and bookmarks are saved.
The lawsuit claims Google "surreptitiously tracks users" through Google Analytics and the Google Ad Manager.
These claims are disputed by Google.
A spokesperson said: “Incognito mode in Chrome gives you the choice to browse the internet without your activity being saved to your browser or device.
“As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session.”
Eligibility
You will need to have used the Incognito Mode from June 1, 2016.
And Google intends to defend itself against the plans, so payouts may be a long way off yet, if they happen at all.
