Google is laughing at us behind our backs over Incognito mode

In Issue 643’s ‘Question of the Fortnight’ (pictured), you say that Google staff joking about Incognito mode’s “misleading” privacy claims wasn’t as bad as Gerald Ratner rubbishing the jewellery sold in his shops. I agree that it won’t destroy the company, but I think it’s a far more serious lapse of trust.

Ratner’s comments were stupid, but it didn’t jeopardise the privacy of customers. At worst, it made them feel ripped off for buying watches or necklaces that the company’s owner considered to be “total cr*p”. But Google’s attitude is far more sinister. It’s the most dominant company on the internet and so has a duty to be beyond reproach when handling our data. It’s shocking therefore that Incognito mode was an open joke within Google’s offices.

I suspect this isn’t the only example of Google laughing at us behind our backs, and I’m sure other companies are just as guilty. The impression I get is that the tech giants speak a good game on privacy, but they still need to make money and this means showing us endless adverts. This leads to exaggerated claims about the anonymity tools they provide.

I can’t see this doing lasting damage to Google, however. The company is simply too good at marketing itself as a force for good. I’m glad that Computeractive doesn’t believe the hype and regularly suggests excellent alternatives.

John Thorburn

CA SAYS

Call us naive, but we were shocked too that Incognito mode was such a running joke at Google. We expect the company to rename the tool and attempt to restore trust, but if you’re looking for an alternative consider Firefox’s Private Browsing mode – see page 11.