In a shocking move, Google has announced that its plan to kill tracking cookies in Chrome has failed. This means that Chrome’s 3 billion users will still be tracked online, and their privacy will not be protected as promised.
What Were Tracking Cookies?
Tracking cookies are small pieces of code that websites use to track your online behavior. They allow advertisers to collect information about your online activities and target you with personalized ads. However, this comes at the cost of your privacy, as your online behavior is being monitored and shared with third-party companies.
What Did Google Promise?
Google promised to kill tracking cookies in Chrome, citing concerns about user privacy. The company wanted to replace tracking cookies with a new system that would allow users to make an informed choice about how their data is used. However, it seems that Google has now backtracked on this promise.
What’s the New Plan?
Google’s new plan is to introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice about how their data is used. This means that users will be able to choose between tracking cookies, Google’s semi-anonymous Topics API, and its semi-private browsing. However, this plan is still not finalized, and regulators are yet to agree on the details.
What Does This Mean for Users?
This is bad news for Chrome users, as they will still be tracked online and their privacy will not be protected. Most users will not change their settings, and will therefore be subject to tracking and data collection. This is a concern, as users should have the right to control their own data and online behavior.
What Do Experts Say?
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has warned that Google’s decision “underscores their ongoing commitment to profits over user privacy.” The EFF notes that Safari and Firefox have blocked third-party cookies by default since 2020, and that Google’s failure to do so is a concern.
What Can You Do?
If you’re concerned about your online privacy, you may want to consider using a different browser that blocks tracking cookies by default, such as Safari or Firefox. You can also take steps to protect your online privacy, such as:
- Using a VPN to encrypt your online traffic
- Turning off location sharing and camera access
- Using privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo
- Being cautious when clicking on links and downloading attachments
Insights and Opinions
Google’s failure to kill tracking cookies is a concern, as it shows that the company is more committed to profits than user privacy. This is a problem, as users should have the right to control their own data and online behavior. It’s time for Google to take user privacy seriously and make meaningful changes to protect its users.
The fact that Apple and Firefox have blocked tracking cookies by default since 2020 shows that it is possible to prioritize user privacy. Google should follow their lead and make a commitment to protecting its users’ privacy.
