Opening a tab in incognito mode is something we all do when we want to leave as little trace as possible in our browsing. But is it really like that? The truth is no: as it already appears in Google Chrome, the app saves data in the same way.

Browsing anonymously is not only useful when we don’t want anyone to see our past, but it is also a good way to see our past. having two open accounts for one service, For example. To do this, simply access the menu of applications such as Google Chrome and choose to open an incognito window; It’s a move that’s starting to raise a new caveat: Google has had to explain how this mode actually works.

Google Chrome saves the same data in normal and incognito mode

On the left, the new Google Chrome notification. Correct, old notification

Although we might think that browsing anonymously means that websites do not see our usage data, the truth is that this is not the case: Chrome allows access to browsing data as if it were not anonymous. Moreover, as evidenced by the change it recently made to the browser, the company records all usage data itself.

Starting with Google Chrome Canary, the most unstable version of those on the Play Store, the new incognito mode notification is already visible when opening one of these windows or tabs. This move is the result of a lawsuit filed against Google. There is little transparency of what is saved in incognito mode. In addition to making the consequences of browsing very clear, Google was fined $5 billion.

This is true, although browsing in incognito mode does not protect against navigation recording keep some privacy. Here’s what this mode requires in Google Chrome:

• Google records browsing data as if you were not browsing in incognito mode.
• Websites can track your usage and store your data as if you were not browsing in incognito mode.
• Your internet company and/or the owners of the WiFi network you’re connected to may know where you’re browsing.
• Google Chrome does not save your browsing history on the device.
• Cookies and data information are not saved on the device.
• The information you enter in the forms is not saved on your device.
• All files you download are saved on the device.

The new notification is already appearing in the most unstable Chrome app and will spread to other versions until it reaches stable Google Chrome in a few weeks. It does not imply any change at the operating level: Incognito mode will continue to behave the same. But now the consequences are clear.

Cover image | DALL-E 3 edited on ChatGPT

via | MSPowerUser

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