Your browser may have a setting known as incognito mode. Depending on the type of browser you use, it could have other names. It may simply be referred to as private browsing mode.
Essentially, using a browser in this configuration means that it doesn’t keep records of your online activity. When you close the browser, if someone else opens it and checks the history, there will be nothing listed. But does this really mean that your online activity is a secret?
The activity can still be traced
No, incognito mode or private mode doesn’t actually mean that what you’re doing on the computer is known only to you. These records are still stored in various locations and could be found during a criminal investigation.
All that private browsing mode does is hide that activity locally. The list of sites you visited or terms you searched for won’t be stored in the browser.
For instance, say that you use a computer to search for something illegal—such as how to manufacture illegal drugs. During the course of an investigation into drug manufacturing or sales, the police may want to look at your internet records to see what you were researching. It may not be stored in your browser, but your internet service provider (ISP) still has records of the sites you visited. Plus, if you were using a computer at school or at work, the educational institution or your employer may also have records of your online activity.
Exploring your legal options
This means that police may still be able to obtain digital evidence during their investigation, even if you tried to hide it. You need to understand all the criminal defense options you have as you navigate this process.