Incognito mode (also: “private mode”) is a feature of modern web browsers that allows you to surf the Internet without certain data being permanently stored on the device you are using. It is often used to increase privacy when browsing.
When browsing in incognito mode, the following data is not stored permanently:
History of visited websites
Cookies and Website Data
Form data and search terms
Information for the auto-complete
However, it is important to know: Incognito mode does not make you anonymous.
The following stakeholders can still see your activity:
Your employer or the IT department (for company computers)
Your Internet Provider
The visited website itself
Incognito mode is used for a variety of reasons:
To sign in to multiple accounts at the same time on a website (e.g., work and personal email account)
To test web pages (e.g., when working in web design or marketing)
To avoid targeted advertising through stored cookies
To research without being influenced by previous search histories or login data
When working on shared devices, such as customer service or front desk
When testing web applications without prior login credentials or cookie preferences
In IT support, for example, if problems with web portals without stored cookies are to be tracked
For searches where personalized search results are not desired
It does not protect against surveillance by employers, network administrators, or spyware
It does not prevent websites from seeing your IP address
It does not replace security measures such as antivirus programs or VPNs
