Google Chrome extensions have become a part of our daily usage while browsing the Internet, however, privacy and data security have always been a concern. But now, Google seems to be working on this and has said that Chrome extensions will have limited data access from next year. Through a blog post, the company announced that it is making Chrome extensions more private and secure from 2021. To make the web browser more secure, there will be a change in how permissions work when a user installs an extension on Google Chrome.
According to Google, the company will bring new changes on how extensions access data and how permissions work when an extension is installed in the coming year. In 2021, Google Chrome users will get to determine which websites the extension can access when they browse the web. Currently, the extension decides which websites it can access. The tech giant said once the user grants an extension the permission to access a website’s data, the user can save that preference for that particular domain.
Note that the user will still have an option to grant an extension the access to all websites he visits, if the user decides. However, the extensions will not have the access to all websites by default.
Google Chrome Extensions to Be More Transparent
Apart from the permissions, Google is also working on improving its developer policies to make extensions more transparent. The company said that starting January 18, every extension will publicly display its privacy practices. These will use simple language and clear visuals to explain what data they collect and use. Additionally, the web search giant is also limiting what extension developers can do with the data they collect.
Next, there are more safety updates coming to Chrome with more protections through Estimated Safe Browsing. Google stated that if a user installs malicious extensions, Chrome Safety check will tell him/her how to remove them. Also, the company once again assured that it’s priority is to continue developing features that protect users’ data and keep them safe, while they choose extentions that help them get the most out of Google Chrome.
