Google is testing an important privacy feature for Chrome users on Android that mimics the security level set for apps that you use on smartphones.
Over the last few years, Android users get information about the sensors that an app is trying to access on their phone. For instance, when you use Uber, the app will ask for your permission to use location, microphone and even call logs on the device.
Similarly, you have platforms like Zoom or even Google Meet asking for access to the camera on your phone. These access features are coming to Chrome browser now for Android users which was confirmed with the latest Chrome build version 122 recently. What this means is that Chrome users will get similar alerts when a website tries to access the camera, microphone, or even location on their device.
Chrome is probably aware of the specific needs of a website that might be far reaching than what the browser actually wants to access, so giving an extra layer of permission alert will definitely help people understand which website is trying to access what feature on the device. Users will get the option to ‘allow this time’, ‘allow on every visit’ and ‘don’t allow’ for these websites.
Chrome is still testing the feature with its build version on Android so we’re not sure when the public release will be available but going by the timelines, it is likely that we will hear more from Chrome in the coming months when the privacy tool would have gone through thorough tests in the back end. Chrome is used by billions and is the most popular web browser in the market. So, upgrades like these are warranted and it is good to see Google give extra focus to privacy of users, which will surely appeal to more people.
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