Google Changes Course on Third-Party Cookies in Chrome

Google has decided not to proceed with its original plan to completely disable third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, opting instead to give users more control over their online privacy. After years of planning and testing, the tech giant announced that Chrome users will now be able to make an informed choice about allowing or blocking cookies, rather than having them disabled by default.

This decision comes after concerns were raised about the impact of removing third-party cookies on advertisers, publishers, and the broader digital ecosystem. Google’s Privacy Sandbox initiative, aimed at providing privacy-enhancing solutions while maintaining an ad-supported internet, faced pushback from industry stakeholders and regulators. This led the company to shift its strategy.

Google to Destroy Illegally Collected Incognito Browsing Data

Under the terms of the proposed settlement, which still requires approval from a California federal judge, Google will destroy or de-identify billions of records of web browsing data collected under the guise of private browsing.

The Internet ProtocolSamuel White

Rather than eliminating cookies, users will be presented with a prompt to choose their preferred level of tracking, similar to Apple's opt-in approach for app tracking on iOS. Google has been in discussions with regulatory bodies, such as the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), to ensure a balanced approach to privacy and online competition.

This change marks a significant step in Google’s ongoing effort to enhance privacy on the web while maintaining a vibrant ecosystem for publishers and advertisers.