Updated: March 22, 2024, 04:25 PM IST
- Google is preparing to roll out a location control feature for Chrome OS, enabling users to manage location access for all apps and services.
- The feature will primarily restrict Google Location Services but may not block location tracking entirely.
- Alongside location controls, Chrome OS will introduce app-specific permissions for camera, microphone, and location, offering users granular control over privacy settings.
Google is poised to empower users with greater control over their privacy settings as it gears up to introduce a location control feature for Chrome OS on desktop devices. This forthcoming feature will enable users to manage location access for all apps and services, marking another significant step towards bolstering user privacy in the digital realm.
Similar to the camera and microphone control options introduced last year, the new location control feature will offer users the ability to dictate which apps and services can access their location data. This includes Android apps, web apps utilized in Chrome, and even background system functions. However, while the update will primarily restrict Google Location Services, apps, and websites may still be able to approximate a user’s general location based on their IP address.
According to reports from 9to5Google, Chrome OS users can expect to see these location-tracking controls implemented in the first half of 2024. Accessible within the Settings menu under Security and Privacy, these controls will grant users the autonomy to manage their location permissions effectively. Additionally, alongside the location control update, Chrome OS will introduce app-specific permissions for camera, microphone, and location. This means users will have the flexibility to grant or deny access to these features on a per-app basis, further enhancing their control over privacy settings on Chromebook devices.
Moreover, in a bid to enhance security measures for enterprise customers, Google is introducing a secure local data recovery feature for Chrome OS. This feature ensures that users must have access to both their account credentials and physical devices to restore local data, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access attempts.
In tandem with these privacy-focused updates, Google Chrome has recently implemented several security enhancements aimed at fortifying user protection. Notably, Google’s Safe Browsing feature now offers real-time defense against phishing, malware, and other online threats by comparing websites against a server-side list of known malicious sites. Additionally, the Password Checkup tool on Chrome for iOS has been upgraded to detect compromised passwords and prompt users to take action to enhance their account security.
As Google continues its efforts to prioritize user privacy and security, these latest updates underscore the company’s commitment to providing users with robust tools and features to safeguard their digital identities and personal information.
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