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Google Promises Chrome Changes After Privacy Complaints (cnet.com)

Posted by msmash on from the very-very-sorry dept.

Google, on the defensive from concerns raised about how Chrome tracks its users, has promised changes to its web browser. From a report: Two complaints in recent days involve how Google stores data about browsing activity in files called cookies and how it syncs personal data across different devices. Google representatives said Monday and Tuesday there's nothing to be worried about but that they'll be changing Chrome nevertheless. "We've heard -- and appreciate -- your feedback from the last few days, and we'll be making some product changes," tweeted Parisa Tabriz, a security team leader at Google. Google added in a blog post Tuesday evening that it will add new options and explanations for its interface and reverse one Chrome cookie-hoarding policy that undermined people's attempts to clear those cookies.

3 of 82 comments (clear)

  1. Re:We'll hide it better! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Just use a better browser.

    (For what it is worth, I am not affiliated with them and don't have any special agenda here, but of course I am posting as AC so there is no reason to believe me. Still, it's a good browser).

  2. They're not changing anything by the_skywise · · Score: 4, Informative

    Google added in a blog post Tuesday evening that it will add new options and explanations for its interface and reverse one Chrome cookie-hoarding policy that undermined people's attempts to clear those cookies.

    They'll just move the info stored in the cookies to internal non-cookie storage and they're still going to log you in when you login to other aspects. They're just going to change the interface to show you they're watching you.
    Be nice to have a MS office assistant character appear (like Clippy) and tap on your screen and say "Hey... I'm watching you!"

  3. Fix it right now by darkain · · Score: 4, Informative

    You can fix this right now. This auto-login actually broke email/sync for a company I consult for, and luckily actually found a way to turn it off right now.

    1) Visit: chrome://flags

    2) Set to Disabled:
    Identity consistency between browser and cookie jar
    When enabled, the browser manages signing in and out of Google accounts. – Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, Android
    #account-consistency