Google Starts Eliminating Cookies (so only they can track you)
In a groundbreaking move, Google has started disabling cookies for a select group of Chrome users, marking the beginning of a significant shift in online privacy. Approximately 30 million people, accounting for 1% of Chrome users, will experience a web without cookies. This shift is part of Google’s ambitious plan to bid farewell to cookies entirely by the end of the year, aiming to revolutionize online privacy.
For years, cookies have been viewed as the internet’s original sin, providing tech companies with a tool to track user behavior. These third-party cookies, created by companies like Google, have played a pivotal role in targeted ads and various tracking mechanisms. However, Google’s decision to eliminate them stems from mounting concerns over privacy malpractices in the tech industry.
Google’s move to disable cookies is a response to the rising demand for enhanced online privacy. With Chrome being the browser of choice for approximately 60% of internet users, this initiative is poised to have a global impact. Victor Wong, Google’s senior director of product management for Privacy Sandbox, emphasized the company’s commitment to keeping people’s activities private across a free and open internet.
While bidding farewell to third-party cookies, Google does not abandon user tracking altogether. Instead, the Privacy Sandbox project introduces new tracking methods that prioritize data storage on devices and categorize users into groups based on their online activities. Advertisers can still inquire about user cohorts, but individual browsing behavior remains protected, aligning with Google’s strict privacy standards.
Critics argue that Google’s approach may not provide true privacy, as it transforms the browser from a user agent to an advertising agent. Privacy advocates recommend utilizing tools such as Privacy Badger to counter Chrome’s new tracking settings. The debate surrounding Google’s Privacy Sandbox project continues, with some viewing it as too private for industry players and others believing it does not go far enough for privacy advocates.
In conclusion, while third-party cookies are being phased out, first-party cookies necessary for website functionality will remain intact. This move by Google represents a delicate balance between privacy and user experience. As the journey towards enhanced online privacy continues, it remains to be seen how this transformative step will shape the future of internet browsing.
Sources:
- Google disables cookies so that no one else, only they can track your every move
- Google has started disabling third-party cookies for Chrome users
