🕵️ Google's $1.375 Billion Privacy Settlement: What It Means for You
The Myth of Incognito: Google Pays Big for Tracking Your "Private" Life.
🔥 Incognito Wasn't So Incognito After All
Imagine using your browser's "private" mode, only to find out your movements, voice, and even facial features were still being tracked. That's what sparked the largest-ever privacy settlement by a single state against Google-a $1.375 billion payout to Texas.
This isn't just a headline. It's a wake-up call.
📌 Why It's Important
This settlement highlights a pivotal shift in how states are enforcing privacy laws in the absence of comprehensive federal legislation.
Google's alleged violations affect anyone who believed they had control over their personal data while using core services like Chrome, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. These services are integrated into daily life for billions-and now, one state's legal system has said "enough."
But here's the kicker: Google didn't admit wrongdoing, and no product changes were mandated.
So, what does that mean for your data?
🔍 What Happened and How It Worked
✅ The Allegations
The lawsuit, originally filed in 2022 by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accused Google of:
Misleading Incognito Mode Users
While users assumed Chrome's Incognito mode protected their privacy, Google allegedly continued tracking search history and location data-defeating the entire purpose of the feature.Biometric Data Collection Without Consent
Through tools like Google Photos and Google Assistant, the company was said to have gathered facial geometry and voiceprints. This would violate Texas's Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI), which requires explicit consent.Tracking Even When You Said "No"
The company allegedly kept collecting location data despite users turning off "location history" in their settings. That's not just sneaky-it's deceptive.
💰 The Settlement Terms
Amount: $1.375 billion (the largest privacy settlement ever by a single state against Google)
Date: Announced May 9, 2025
Admittance of Guilt: None-Google denies any wrongdoing
Product Changes: None required
Use of Funds: Not yet disclosed
Google framed the issue as one of "outdated product policies," suggesting that changes have already been made.
🌐 Why This Case Sets a Precedent
Texas isn't alone in taking Big Tech to task. In 2022, Meta (Facebook's parent company) paid $1.4 billion to Texas for illegally harvesting facial recognition data. These massive penalties show that state attorneys general are stepping up where federal privacy laws have yet to catch up.
This case may embolden more states to enforce their own privacy laws-especially those with biometric and data consent legislation on the books.
"In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law," said Paxton. "For years, Google secretly tracked people's movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry. I fought back and won."
🛡️ How You Can Protect Yourself
Regardless of legal outcomes, users still need to be proactive in protecting their privacy. Here's what you can do:
🔐 1. Don't Trust "Incognito" at Face Value
Incognito mode doesn't hide your activity from websites, ISPs, or even Google.
Use privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Firefox with strict privacy settings.
📍 2. Turn Off Location Tracking Thoroughly
Disable both Location History and Web & App Activity in your Google Account settings.
Review Google's activity controls and periodically delete past activity.
🧬 3. Opt Out of Biometric Features
Don't use facial recognition features in Google Photos or voice activation via Assistant unless absolutely necessary.
Check your devices for biometric data permissions and revoke access where possible.
🧼 4. Regularly Audit Your Google Account
Visit Google's Privacy Checkup to see what's being collected.
Adjust ad personalization and sharing settings to reduce tracking.
🧰 5. Use Privacy Tools
Employ tools like Privacy Badger or uBlock Origin to block trackers.
Consider encrypted alternatives for search (DuckDuckGo), email (ProtonMail), and storage (Tresorit).
📣 Call to Action
Privacy isn't just a legal battleground-it's a personal responsibility.
As settlements like this show, state governments are starting to act, but enforcement is slow and reactive. You don't have to wait for billion-dollar lawsuits to start reclaiming your privacy.
🔍 Start your privacy checkup today.
🛠️ Rethink your default settings.
📢 Share this article to raise awareness.
✅ Quick Privacy Checklist
Use this 5-minute audit to safeguard your data today:
Disable Location History AND Web & App Activity on your Google account
Run Google's Privacy Checkup
Stop using Incognito as your only privacy tool
Audit apps with access to microphone/camera
Turn off facial recognition in Google Photos
Consider switching to a privacy-focused browser
Revoke unnecessary Google permissions
If you're concerned about your overall online privacy and want a personalized assessment of your potential risks, you can schedule a free privacy consultation here