Technology

Google finally admits data collection in Chrome's 'incognito' mode

Published

2 years ago

January 20, 2024

Google finally admits data collection in Chrome's 'incognito' mode

Google is finally revealing it is collecting your data if you use Google Chrome, even if you use incognito mode. This comes after the internet giant agreed to settle for $5 billion to avoid a 2020 lawsuit.

The lawsuit claimed Google collected information like your IP address, device data and even browser history — despite incognito mode seemingly offering a private browsing experience. Google claimed it warned users about websites potentially tracking user activity in order to dismiss the lawsuit.

However, a judge ruled that Google never explicitly told users it was tracking them and collecting information. And if users weren’t aware, they couldn’t consent to data collection.

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What’s happened since Google agreed to settle the lawsuit

Google Chrome on smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Since Google agreed to settle last month, two major developments have happened: Google has updated its disclaimer in incognito mode, according to MSPowerUser, and lawyers have been working to finalize a settlement.

So far, Google has only updated the disclaimer in its Canary developer tool on Windows, Android and other devices. If you use it and go into incognito mode, you’ll see a message that says:

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“Others who use this device won’t see your activity, so you can browse more privately. This won’t change how data is collected by websites you visit and the services they use, including Google. Downloads, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved.”

Google Chrome Incognito Mode. (Google)

Lawyers also have until Feb. 24 to present the court with a finalized settlement agreement. Plaintiffs originally wanted $5,000 in damages per user for violating federal wiretapping and California privacy laws.

We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson released this statement to Cyberguy:

“Incognito mode in Chrome will continue to give people the choice to browse the internet without their activity being saved to their browser or device.”

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How to stay private when browsing the internet

Keeping your information private while browsing the internet can be a tough task. However, here are some easy ways to keep your data away from any prying eyes:

Turn off “web & app” activity

“Web & App” Activity is basically Google’s main tool to collect your data. Google assumes you have given them access to your online activity when this setting is on. Google claims it does not sell your personal information to anyone. However, Google may use your activity data to show you personalized ads on Google sites and apps and on sites and apps that partner with Google to show ads.

How to turn “web & app” activity off using a Mac

On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
In the box, the first row says Web & App Activity; Click on the blue check next to the word On
Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
Select Turn off and Delete activity
Click Next in the bottom right
Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.

Turning “web & app” activity off using a PC

On the Google Chrome page, go to Activity controls in a web browser. To turn off web and app activity on your PC, you can access your Activity Controls in a web browser. If you’re not signed in to your Google account, you’ll be prompted to do so
Click Turn Off under “Web & App Activity.” You’ll see this option near the top of the page
Scroll down and click the Pause button. You won’t be able to click Pause until you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the page. This pauses your web and search activity until you enable it again. To delete your Web & App Activity history, click Delete old activity under “Setting is Off” and then select a time range. Click Got It when you’re finished to return to the previous screen.

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How to turn “web & app” activity off using iPhone

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
Select Google Account or click on this link
Then tap Data & Privacy near the top of the screen
Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings

Google Account page. (Google)

In the box, the first row says Web & App Activity; Click on the > icon
Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
Select Turn off and Delete activity
Click Next in the bottom right
Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.

How to turn “web & app” activity off using Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
Select Google Account, or click on this link
Click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
Find the row that says Web & App Activity and click the > icon
Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
Select Turn off and Delete activity
Click Next in the bottom right
Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.

Limit data sharing with sites and services

While there are many valid reasons for allowing Google to give third-party apps and services access to your data, it puts your privacy at risk. Google can track whenever you sign in to another app with your Google sign-in and which service.

How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on Mac

On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
Click on Third-party apps & services
Select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with
Click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm

Turning off data sharing with sites and services on PC

On the Google Chrome page, click the menu icon (three dots) in the top right corner and select Settings
Then, click Privacy and security

Google Settings page. (Google)

Next, tap Site settings
Here, you can manage how Chrome handles cookies, location, camera, microphone, notifications, and other permissions for different sites
You can also clear your browsing data and disable third-party services from accessing your data

How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on iPhone

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select your
Select Google Account, Or click on this link
Click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
Click on Third-party apps & services
Scroll down and select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with by clicking on it
Next, scroll down and click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm

How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
Select Google Account, or click on this link
Click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
Click on Third-party apps & services
Select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with by clicking on it
Click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm

Turn off Location History

Google can track the places you go and collect your location data. However, the tricky thing with this setting is that you must have Web & App activity turned off for your Location History to be fully turned off.

How to turn off Location History on Mac

On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
Click on the row that says Location History
Click on the box that says Turn off
Select Turn off again and then Got it

MORE: HOW TO CHECK THAT YOU’RE NOT ACCIDENTALLY SHARING YOUR LOCATION

How to turn off “web & app” activity using a PC

On the Google Chrome page, go to Activity controls in a web browser. To turn off web and app activity on your PC, you can access your Activity Controls in a web browser. If you’re not signed in to your Google account, you’ll be prompted to do so
Click Turn Off under “Web & App Activity.” You’ll see this option near the top of the page
Scroll down and click the Pause button. You won’t be able to click Pause until you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the page. This pauses your web and search activity until you enable it again. To delete your Web & App Activity history, click Delete old activity under “Setting is Off” and then select a time range. Click Got It when you’re finished to return to the previous screen

How to turn Location History off on iPhone

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
Select your Google Account or click on this link
At the top, click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
Click on the row that says Location History

Google Location History setting. (Google)

Click on the box that says Turn off
Select Turn off again and then Got it

How to turn off Location History on Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
Select Google Account, or click on this link
Click on Data & Privacy
Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
Click on the row that says Location History
Click on the box that says Turn off
Select Turn off again and then Got it

Stop targeted ads

Google’s targeted ads can be a bit too specific for comfort, but there is a way to turn them off:

How to stop targeted ads on Mac

On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
Find the box that is titled Personalized ads and click on My Ad Center
In the top right corner, click on the box that says Personalized ads, and then click on Turn Off in the bottom right of the next box. Then tap Got it

How to stop targeted ads on iPhone

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
Select Google Account, or click on this link
Click on Data & Privacy
Find the box that is titled Personalized Ads and click on My Ad Center
In the top right corner, click where it says On
Then on the bottom right, click where it says Turn Off
Then tap Got it

How to stop targeted ads on Android

On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
Select Google Account, or click on this link
Click on Data & Privacy
Find the box that is titled Personalized ads and click on My Ad Center
In the top right corner, click where it says ON next to Personalized ads
Scroll down and click Turn Off in the bottom right
Then click Got it

Person on Google home page. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Use a VPN for better privacy

Consider using a VPN to protect against being tracked and to identify your potential location on websites that you visit. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on their privacy settings, may display the city from which you are corresponding. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaways

While it can be exhausting taking so many precautions to protect your data, it really pays off at the end of the day. Taking a few steps can make all the difference. But by not protecting yourself, you are leaving yourself susceptible to data collection, targeted ads and even worse. At the end of the day, protecting your privacy is your responsibility.

How do you protect yourself from data collection? Are you worried about Google collecting your data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

Published

6 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

The YouTube watch screen has been given a new look on TVs. The redesign aims to provide a “more intuitive experience with easier navigation,” according to YouTube’s announcement, relocating the video title and several controls, and adding a new “Description” button to access creator information and other video features.

I’m already seeing the update on my own Nvidia Shield Pro streaming box and native Phillips TV OS, and I do think it makes it easier to find specific video features and controls. My colleague Thomas Ricker says he isn’t seeing the redesign in Apple TV’s YouTube player, however, so they may still be rolling out. These changes are pretty delayed, considering YouTube announced in April that they would arrive “this summer.”

Videos on the YouTube app for TV will now show the title in the top left corner of the screen instead of just above the video scrubber at the bottom of the page, and the title can no longer be clicked to open comments, metadata, and information about the creator. Instead, those controls are now available by clicking the new “Description” button. The channel thumbnail and subscribe function have also been separated into two buttons, with the creator’s thumbnail now taking users directly to their channel.

Controls have been reorganized into distinct groups under the video scrubber: Channel, Description, and Subscribe on the left, Previous, Pause/Play, and Next in the center, and Like, Dislike, Comment, Save, Closed Captions, and Settings placed into two groups on the right. YouTube says the Subscribe button will remain visible to subscribers, adapting to flag pay-gated content or alert users to new live streams. A “Multiview” control has also been added for live sports content, while Music and Premium subscribers will see a new “Display Mode” control.

Technology

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

Published

6 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

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Holiday travel and winter storms create risky moments for drivers and families. Stress rises fast during emergencies, and describing the scene to 911 can feel overwhelming.

Now, a new Android feature closes that gap by providing live visual information that helps responders act with speed and accuracy.

If you use an iPhone, Apple offers a similar tool through its Emergency SOS Live Video feature. You can learn how it works right here.

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Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 a secure live view of the scene, so responders understand what is happening right away. (Cyberguy.com)

What Android Emergency Live Video does

Google is rolling out Android Emergency Live Video to give dispatchers a secure view of the scene during an active call or text. A dispatcher can request a live video stream through your phone when it is safe for you to share it. With a single tap, you can stream real-time video that helps responders understand what is happening.

This can help during car accidents, medical emergencies or fast-moving hazards such as wildfire conditions. Live video can also help dispatchers guide you through steps that save lives, such as CPR, until responders arrive.

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How the Android Emergency Live Video feature works

Android designed this tool to work with no setup. When you call or text 911, the dispatcher reviews the situation. If they decide video would help, they will send a request to your phone. You see a clear prompt that lets you choose whether to start the secure stream. The feature uses encryption and gives you full control. You can stop sharing at any moment.

The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer with Google Play services. It is rolling out across the U.S. and select regions in Germany and Mexico. Google plans to expand coverage with more public safety partners.

How to use Emergency Live Video on Android

You cannot turn this feature on in advance. It appears only during an active 911 call or text.

1) Call or text 911 on your Android phone. The dispatcher reviews your situation.

2) Watch for a request on your screen. If the dispatcher decides live video will help, they send a prompt to your device.

3) Tap the notification that appears. You will see a clear message asking if you want to share live video.

4) Choose Share video to start streaming. This opens your camera and begins a secure live feed.

5) Tap Stop sharing at any time. You stay in control the entire time and can end the video at any time.

With one tap, you can choose to share real-time video during a 911 call or text which gives dispatchers the clarity they need to guide you. (CyberGuy.com)

Why Emergency Live Video on Android matters now

Emergencies create confusion. Sharing details verbally takes time and can lead to miscommunication. Video removes guesswork. Responders gain clarity in seconds, which can speed up help and improve outcomes. This tool builds on Android’s safety features, including Satellite SOS, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection.

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Alastair Breeze, a Software Engineer for Android, tells CyberGuy that the team built this feature with one goal in mind. “Providing people peace of mind is at the core of Android’s safety mission. Android Emergency Live Video gives you the ability to securely share real-time video to provide dispatchers the critical eyes-on-scene context they need to assist in emergencies.”

What this means to you

If you carry an Android phone, this feature adds another layer of protection during moments that demand quick action. You stay in control of when the video is shared. You also get a simple way to show the situation when describing it feels impossible. Faster clarity can lead to faster help, which can shape how an emergency ends.

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The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer and helps responders act faster during emergencies when seconds matter. (Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com / USA TODAY)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Android Emergency Live Video brings real-time awareness to moments when every second matters. It gives responders a clear view, so they can guide you through urgent steps if necessary. Most of all, it adds peace of mind during situations no one plans for.

Would you feel comfortable sharing live video during an emergency if it helped responders reach you faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

Published

18 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

The Game Awards are back once again to showcase a metric ton of commercials, provide the gaming public with their monthly dose of Muppets, and validate gamers’ opinions on which title should be named the Game of the Year. I don’t wanna say it’s a foregone conclusion what this year’s GOTY will be — Silksong may surprise us — but it’s pretty obvious that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the frontrunner and for good reason. It’s netted 12 nominations, the most out of this year’s contenders, including all five craft awards (Direction, Art, Music and Score, Narrative, and Audio Design).

On the announcements side, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games are planning something related to the Tomb Raider series. Keighley also probably had plans to reveal big news about Resident Evil: Requiem, but unfortunately it got spoiled early thanks to some leaked key art on the PlayStation Store. Here’s all the news, announcements, and trailers from The Game Awards 2025.