Do you "incognito browse" on Google? These are the consequences you may not know about

An article explaining the limitations of Chrome's incognito mode. It details that the mode does not prevent network-level tracking, stores DNS addresses in the operating system, and does not block data collection by websites and Google services. A class-action lawsuit against Google from 2020 that led to a change in company policy is mentioned.

A technology article that debunks the myth surrounding Chrome's incognito mode. The article explains that while the mode deletes browsing history and cookies locally on the browser, it does not provide the comprehensive privacy protection many users assume. The DNS addresses of visited websites are stored in the operating system and can be viewed by anyone with access to the computer. Additionally, the internet service provider, home router, and corporate network administrators can see your network traffic. The article notes that the illusion around the tool led to a major class-action lawsuit against Google in 2020, which forced the company to delete billions of records and change its wording. The practical conclusion is that the mode is useful for preventing others using the same computer from viewing your history, but it does not guarantee complete online privacy. The recommendation is not to log into personal accounts during incognito browsing and to assume that whoever manages the network can see the activity.