Google is improving Safety Check and refining the management of site notifications and permissions, while also enabling Chrome to oversee certain security features.
The tech giant is rolling out a security feature update for its Chrome browser, geared towards enhancing user safety during online browsing.
Main Points:
- This update is accessible for Google Chrome on both desktop and mobile platforms.
- Safety Check is receiving upgrades along with an automatic response feature.
- Support for one-time permissions will be included.
- Unsubscription from notifications has been simplified.
Important Note: Both Safety Check and Secure Browsing are crucial components of Chrome’s security system. Safe Browsing performs real-time evaluations to primarily shield users against phishing and harmful sites, while Safety Check reviews Chrome’s settings and features to confirm user safety.
Safety Check Now Operates Independently
Safety Check was launched in 2019 to assist users in determining if their stored passwords had been breached. Originally called Password Leak Detection, it has broadened its functions over time.
In late 2023, Google implemented automatic background checks for the desktop version, enabling Safety Check to conduct regular scans similar to conventional antivirus software.
Useful Tip: To use Safety Check, type chrome://settings/safetyCheck in your browser’s address bar or go through Menu > Settings > Privacy and security > Safety Check.
The latest Safety Check version in Chrome examines various security issues:
- Weak passwords saved in Chrome’s password manager.
- Risky browser extensions.
- The current version of Chrome and its update status.
- The condition of Safe Browsing.
- Potentially annoying notifications.
- Unused permissions from websites.
Previously, these concerns were only communicated to Chrome users. Now, the updated Safety Check brings notable improvements.
According to Google, the tool now operates in the background to take “more proactive measures,” including on mobile devices. This means the security feature may function autonomously, with Google removing unused site permissions and revoking notification permissions from sites identified by Safe Browsing as misleading users into granting those permissions.
To determine if notifications shown to users may be unwanted, Google evaluates site engagement metrics and notification frequency.
While this new method may benefit the majority of Chrome users, experienced users who like to maintain control over their settings might find it less favorable.
One-Time Permissions for Websites
Recently, Chrome users on both mobile and desktop received a new feature that allows for one-time permissions for websites. Some websites request specific permissions to function properly, such as a voice chat site needing access to your microphone. Without this permission, features like the microphone cannot be used.
Google has rolled out the option for one-time website permissions in Chrome for both Android and desktop platforms. These permissions remain valid only while you are interacting with the site and are automatically revoked when you close the tab. This enhancement promotes user privacy by eliminating the worry of granting indefinite permissions for certain browser features to websites.
This feature was introduced in Chrome 116, and other browsers like Safari and Firefox, as well as many Chromium-based ones, also offer one-time permissions.
For example, Firefox sets certain permissions to be one-time by default to safeguard user privacy.
Simplified Notification Unsubscription
You might know someone overwhelmed with constant website notifications. Accepting permission requests is easy, but managing them can be tricky.
Google is launching improved tools to tackle this issue.
Unfortunately, this feature is currently available only on Pixel devices, although Google plans to extend it to Chrome on other Android devices soon.
The primary improvement is an “unsubscribe” link directly associated with notifications. By clicking this link, you can instantly unsubscribe without additional steps.
Image Source: Wachiwit / Shutterstock
