Google today announced a new set of Chrome features meant to keep users better protected while browsing the internet and to provide them with increased control over their data.
The popular browser, Google says, is getting an upgraded Safety Check, the proactive protection that will run automatically in the background, notifying users of actions such as revoking permissions for websites they no longer visit, and flagging potentially unwanted notifications.
Additionally, it will notify users of security issues that need to be addressed, and will automatically revoke notification permissions from sites that Google Safe Browsing has identified to be deceiving.
In Chrome for desktop, Safety Check will notify users if any of the installed extensions may pose a security threat, and will take them to the extensions page to help them remove the problematic software.
“As always, Safety Check will continue to help you ensure you have the latest security patches and check your passwords for potential security risks. It also provides the option to enable Google Safe Browsing protections, allowing you to choose the level of protection you prefer,” Google says.
On Pixel devices, Chrome will make it easier for users to opt out of unwanted website notifications, via an ‘Unsubscribe’ button on the notifications drawer.
Set to arrive on more Android devices soon, the feature has already reduced notification volume on supported Pixel devices by 35%, the internet giant says.
Another new feature coming to Chrome users on both Android and desktop will provide additional controls over data shared with the visited websites.
It will allow users to grant select permissions to a website for one time only and, as soon as they leave that website, the browser will revoke those permissions. According to Google, this will prevent the site from using those permissions until the user grants them again.
“With these new features, you can continue to rely on Chrome for a safer browsing experience that gives you even more control over how you explore the internet,” Google notes.
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