By Tech giant Google has shaken things up this week with two major announcements. First, they announced the closure of their dedicated Google Podcasts app, leaving users to migrate to other platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Secondly, Google is facing the consequences of a lawsuit regarding data collection in “incognito” mode on their Chrome browser. The lawsuit’s outcome forces Google to delete billions of user records collected in this mode, which is supposed to offer enhanced privacy. This raises significant concerns about user privacy and the transparency of data collection practices.
The Google Podcasts app shutdown leaves a gap in the market, with users now needing to find new homes for their podcast listening habits. Established platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify are likely to see a surge in users as a result. However, some users might explore niche podcast apps that cater to specific genres or offer unique features.
The incognito mode lawsuit settlement is a landmark case with far-reaching implications. While the lawsuit details are complex, the core issue is that Google allegedly collected user data even when users were specifically trying to browse privately.
This alleged deception and the sheer volume of data involved (billions of records!) have privacy advocates up in arms.
The settlement requires Google to delete the collected data and to improve user transparency regarding data collection practices in incognito mode. This could mean clearer information about what data is still collected and how it’s used, even during private browsing sessions.
These developments highlight the evolving landscape of user privacy and data collection in the tech industry. As users become more aware of their data and its value, companies like Google will likely face increased scrutiny and pressure to be more transparent about their practices.
