Is Google Chrome's 'Incognito' Mode Really as Private as You Think?

Recently, some Reddit users were surprised to discover that Google was apparently still able to access their private browsing data, even when they were using “incognito mode” on the Chrome browser.

Many people doubt the privacy of incognito mode - Photo: GETTY IMAGES

In early November 2025, a Reddit user alleged that Google kept users' data even when they used "incognito mode." Since 2013, many users on X and Reddit have repeatedly questioned the true level of privacy of incognito mode.

Some commentators say this is “well known,” but many others are confused to learn that Google can access seemingly private browsing data.

According to fact-checking organization Snopes, Google Chrome's Help page describes incognito mode as “protecting privacy locally on your device only,” meaning browsing data is not saved on a user's computer.

However, this mode “does not affect how Google collects data when you use other products and services,” meaning Google can still collect user data — making the “incognito” experience not as truly anonymous as many people expect.

Specifically, the homepage of incognito mode on Chrome displays a small message explaining more about this feature: “Other people using this device won't see your activity, so you can browse the web more privately.

However, this does not change how the websites you visit and the services they use, including Google, collect data. Downloads, bookmarks, and reading lists will still be saved.”

This text is believed to be an update from around January 2024. Previously, Chrome only displayed a brief message: “You can now browse privately, and other people who use this device won’t see your activity. However, downloads and bookmarks will still be saved.”

Snopes suggests Google may have changed this description to be clearer after the company faced a $5 billion class action lawsuit in 2020 alleging Google unfairly collected user data.

Although information about the scope of Incognito mode appears in Google's support documents, the plaintiffs argue that users are not “clearly” informed, leading them to believe their privacy is more protected than it actually is.

According to NPR, in the settlement reached in April 2024, instead of paying compensation, Google agreed to “delete the private browsing history of millions of incognito mode users” and block third-party cookies by default.

However, it is still unclear how far Google has followed through on these terms, or how the deletion of user data is monitored. Snopes said it has reached out to Google to verify more information related to the lawsuit and how Incognito mode actually works.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/che-do-an-danh-cua-google-chrome-co-thuc-su-rieng-tu-nhu-ban-nghi-20251111094629281.htm