Chrome 83 Redesigns Privacy Controls, Adds Enhanced Security and More

When we think about Internet usage, the two things can make trouble for you- Privacy and Security. Google Chrome is the best browser on that aspect as Google constantly tweaks to make internet safer and secure. Google Chrome has just started rolling out new privacy tools and a redesigned ‘Settings’ menu on desktop which will be included in Google Chrome 83.'The incoming changes to Chrome’s privacy and security settings will not only make them more accessible, intuitive and useful, but will also help users better control their safety on the web', according to the developers. These new features have just started rolling out and will be coming to Chrome on desktop platforms in upcoming weeks.

More Intuitive Privacy Settings

Google has now implemented 'if and how' system to manage the cookies for website so that users can easily manage cookies. The company has also added options to block third-party cookies irrespective of regular or incognito mode while the company has also an option to block all cookies on some or all website.

The controls in site settings have also reorganized into two section for easier access. The first section is to manage website permissions like location, camera, microphone and notification while the second section is the new one which highlights most recent permissions activity.

Users can see "You and Google" in the top of the Chrome Setting from which they can manage sync controls to decide what data is shared with Google to be stored in their Google Account. While the deleting browsing data has been moved to the top of the Privacy & Security section which is because most people regularly delete their browsing data.

Safety Check

Google has added new 'Safety Check' feature which informs users if their password has been confirmed and how to fix them. It also warns users before visiting dangerous site or downloading harmful app or extension if Safe Browsing turned off. There's also a new way to quickly see if Chrome is up to date with the latest security patches and also alert users about the possible malicious extensions and how to remove them.

Block Third-Party Cookies by Default for Incognito Mode

Google Chrome will start blocking third-party cookies by default within each Incognito session. However, users can enable third-party cookies for specific sites by clicking the ‘eye’ icon in the address bar.

Extensions Grouped Under Single Icon

Google has added a new puzzle piece to the Chrome toolbar for extensions in which all extension now grouped. The company has said that it is a neat way to tidy up your toolbar, and gives you more control over what data extensions can access on sites you visit. With this addition, you’ll still be able to pin your favorite extensions to the toolbar.

Enhanced Safe Browsing and Secure DNS

Chrome 83 is introduced with two new major security features in which users can opt-in to. "Enhanced Safe Browsing" provide users more proactive and tailored protection from phishing, malware and other web-threats. It proactively checks whether pages and downloads are dangerous or not by sending information about them to Google Safe Browsing, if this feature enabled.

The second major security feature is Secure DNS which improve your security and privacy while browsing the web. It will improve your security on the web by using DNS-over-HTTPS for the domain name lookup and prevent attackers from observing what sites you visit or sending you to phishing websites, says the company. By default, Chrome will automatically upgrade you to DNS-over-HTTPS if your current DNS service supports it. Users can also configure a different DNS provider or disable the feature altogether.

These features and changes will roll out to Chrome in the coming weeks, and it’s likely that some of them will require enabling Chrome flags as well. Most of these features will first make an appearance on Chrome desktop.