Android Chrome Users to Receive Major Security Feature Soon
Google is testing an important privacy feature for Chrome users on Android that mimics the level of security set for apps used on smartphones.
Over the past few years, Android users have become aware of the sensors that apps are trying to use on their phones. For example, when you use Uber, the app asks for your permission to use your device’s location, microphone, and even call logs.
Likewise, you have platforms like Zoom or even Google Meet that request access to your phone’s camera. These access features are now coming to the Chrome browser for Android users, which was recently confirmed in the latest Chrome version 122. This means that Chrome users will receive similar alerts when a website tries to access the camera, microphone, or even location on their device.
Chrome is probably aware of a website’s specific needs, which may be far-reaching than what the browser actually wants to use, so providing an extra permission warning certainly helps people understand which website is trying to use which device feature. Users are given the option of “allow this time”, “allow on every visit” and “don’t allow” for these websites.
Chrome is still testing the feature with its Android version, so we’re not sure when a public release will be available, but given the schedule, it’s likely that we’ll hear more about Chrome in the coming months as the privacy tool undergoes thorough back-end testing. Chrome is used by billions and is the most popular browser on the market. So updates like this are legitimate and it’s good to see that Google is paying close attention to user privacy, which will surely appeal to more people.
