New Delhi: In a significant legal setback for tech giant Google, a US judge has dismissed the company's attempt to quash a $5 billion consumer privacy lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that Google engaged in clandestine tracking of millions of users' internet activities even when they believed they were shielded by the "Incognito" mode.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that a "triable issue" exists regarding whether Google's privacy policy misled users and contravened the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This state law furnishes consumers with enhanced control over their personal data.

Google's argument, asserting users' acceptance of the company's privacy policy upon service signup, was discredited by the judge who deemed the policy "misleading." Specifically, the policy did not explicitly divulge Google's intent to track users' online actions during "Incognito" mode.

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Furthermore, Judge Rogers posited that the CCPA could be relevant to the lawsuit, given Google's data collection and utilization practices concerning users in California. This law empowers consumers to litigate against corporations that infringe upon their privacy rights.

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Although the lawsuit is in its nascent stages, its potential reverberations across Google's privacy protocols are profound. A successful lawsuit outcome could mandate Google to overhaul its privacy policy and potentially compensate numerous users.

This lawsuit serves as a stark reminder for companies to uphold transparency in their data collection and usage methodologies. Equally, it underscores users' prerogative over their personal data, bolstering the notion that corporations can be held liable for privacy transgressions.

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