Google introduces more intuitive privacy and security controls in Chrome

Google Chrome is the world’s most used browser, and since it launched nearly twelve years ago, it had evolved so much. Keeping its users safe and secure online has always been part of Chrome’s DNA. When Chrome was first launched in September 2008, Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 had not been launched yet. Now version 83.04 is available on Android, Linux, iOS, macOS and Windows with new tools being rolled out. Chrome’s privacy and security settings on the desktop version has been redesigned and Google says this is to help you control your safety on the web. This is very important for the strange COVID-19 times that we are living in.

So, what exactly is being rolled?

Easy to understand controls.

• It is now easier to manage cookies. You now have the ability to choose if and how cookies are used by websites you visit, with options to block third-party cookies in regular or Incognito mode and to block all cookies on some or all websites.
• In site settings, they have reorganised the controls into two distinct sections that make it easier to find the most sensitive website permissions along with access to your location, camera or microphone, and notifications. A new section also highlights the most recent permissions activity.
• At the top of Chrome setting, you will see “You and Google (previously known as People)”. Here you can find sync controls. These controls put you in charge of what data you share with Google to store in your Google Account and make available across all your devices.
• Because many people regularly delete their browsing history, that control, “Clear browsing data” has now been moved to the top of the Privacy and Security section.

Safety check in Chrome

With the new safety check in settings, you can quickly confirm the safety of your experience in Chrome.

• The new tool will tell you if the passwords you’ve asked Chrome to remember have been compromised, and if they have, how to fix this.
• It will flag if Safe Browsing, Google’s technology that warns you before you visit a dangerous website or download a harmful app or extension, is turned off.
• The safety check tool also has a new additional way to quickly see if your version of Chrome is up to date, i.e. if it has been updated with the latest security protections.
• If malicious extensions are installed, it will tell you how and where to remove them.

Third-party cookie controls in Incognito mode 

In Incognito mode, where people come for a more private browsing experience, Chrome doesn’t save your browsing history, information entered in forms or browser cookies. Whilst Google continues to work on their long-term effort to make the web more private and secure with Privacy Sandbox, they want to strengthen the Incognito protections in the meantime. In addition to deleting cookies every time you close the browser window in Incognito, Chrome will also start blocking third-party cookies by default within each Incognito session and include a prominent control on the New Tab Page. You can allow third-party cookies for specific sites by clicking the “eye” icon in the address bar. This feature will gradually roll out, starting on desktop operating systems and on Android.

A new home for your extensions

Also starting today you’ll start to see a new puzzle icon for your extensions on your toolbar. It’s a neat way to tidy up your toolbar and gives you more control over what data extensions can access on sites you visit. With this addition, you’ll still be able to pin your favourite extensions to the toolbar.

Upgraded security with Enhanced Safe Browsing protection and Secure DNS

Google is also bringing you two major security upgrades that you can opt in to. First, Enhanced Safe Browsing gives you more proactive and tailored protection from phishing, malware and other web-based threats. If you turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing, Chrome proactively checks whether pages and downloads are dangerous by sending information about them to Google Safe Browsing.  If you’re signed in to Chrome, then Chrome and other Google apps you use (Gmail, Drive, etc.) will further protect you based on a holistic view of threats you encounter on the web and attacks against your Google Account. Over the next year, more protections to this mode will be added, including tailored warnings for phishing sites and file downloads, and cross-product alerts.

Also launching is Secure DNS, a feature designed to improve your security and privacy while browsing the web. When you access a website, your browser first needs to determine which server is hosting it, using a step known as a “DNS (Domain Name System) lookup.” Chrome’s Secure DNS feature uses DNS-over-HTTPS to encrypt this step, thereby helping prevent attackers from observing what sites you visit or sending you to phishing websites. By default, Chrome will automatically upgrade you to DNS-over-HTTPS if your current service provider supports it. You can also configure a different secure DNS provider in the Advanced security section, or disable the feature altogether.

These new updates and features, including the redesigned Privacy and Security settings, will be coming to Chrome on desktop platforms in upcoming weeks. Google also intends to continue to focus on features that protect your privacy and security as you’re browsing the web with Chrome, in addition to giving you clear and useful choices around managing your data.