Google Chrome's Incognito mode is set to receive significant security upgrades. A new Chromium commit reveals Google is adding Safe Browsing protections to Incognito mode, bringing real-time threat detection similar to standard browsing. Previously, Incognito relied only on locally stored site knowledge, leaving users vulnerable to newly dangerous sites.
The update will offer users a choice between Standard and Enhanced browsing protections. This development comes amid ongoing privacy scrutiny. In 2024, Google settled a $5 billion class-action lawsuit alleging it misled users about Incognito privacy.
Google updated its disclaimer, now stating the browser doesn't track users, but Google still can. As part of the settlement, Google agreed to delete data captured from Incognito sessions. The implementation balances the need for security with the core purpose of Incognito mode: private browsing.
Users can expect a toggle to select their preferred protection level, ensuring privacy-focused browsing doesn't compromise safety. The update represents Google's effort to resolve past privacy failures while modernizing its flagship browser's security features for the current threat landscape.
Source: Android Central · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing