Google to Allow Chrome Users to Disable Controversial Login Feature
Google is reversing course a bit on its controversial implementation of forced Chrome sign-ins when logging into other Google services like Gmail.
Google is reversing course following its controversial rollout of Chrome 69. In addition to the refreshed UI, that many users don’t like, it also implemented a feature that automatically forced users to log into the browser when they signed into a Chrome service like Gmail. After receiving a heavy amount of criticism from security experts and its own user base, the search giant announced it is taking a step back and instead offer users more control over the changes.
Previously you would choose to sign in to Chrome to sync bookmarks, passwords, and history between devices. But with Chrome 69, if you just logged in quick to check your Gmail, it will automatically log you into the browser.
Google Reversing Course for Chrome 70
In a recent blog post, Google revealed it will give users control over the web browser experience in Chrome version 70, which is expected to rollout mid-October. While the automatic Chrome sign in (when you log into Gmail or any other Google website on the web) will still remain the default behavior, it will allow you to opt-out.
In addition, Google also announced a couple of other new changes coming with Chrome 70. It is making visual changed to the Sync UI to make it clearer if you’re syncing your personal data like passwords and addresses to your Google Account. And it is also changing the handling of clearing auth cookies. “In the current version of Chrome, we keep the Google auth cookies to allow you to stay signed in after cookies are cleared. We will change this behavior that so all cookies are deleted and you will be signed out,” writes Chrome Project Manager, Zach Koch.
Google has been in the news lately with criticisms over its privacy policy. For instance, a few weeks ago, the Associated Press revealed that the company sneakily changed the way it tracks your location. And in case you missed it, here is how to really stop Google from tracking you. For those who are rightly concerned about the privacy implications of forced logins, these changes in Chrome 70 will be welcomed. And if you are still irritated by the refreshed design introduced in Chrome 69, read our article on how to change it back.
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Kevin Clemmer
September 26, 2018 at 9:21 am
It’s too late. Google and data mining are synonymous with distribution and sales of that data. And their intense efforts to lower the bar further just to get into to China? It’s ridiculous at this point. Almost like a president who hires crooks and never takes blame but hasn’t “done anything wrong”. I won’t willingly use anything from Alphabet, Inc. ever again. Android? I bought an iPhone for the first time. Chrome? Now I use (and love) Firefox. The list goes on, but there are always different choices we can make. Best thing about Google search? Makes finding a replacement a breeze!
Sonjia
November 17, 2018 at 8:51 am
I hate chrome now. I used to be able to stay signed in to look at my e-mail and now I can’t find a way. My Chrome updated and I chose to go back to the older version. I thought if I went back to the old version I would be able to not sign in, like I used to do, but that didn’t happen. I was finally able to turn off the feature to not sign in, but I still have to sign in every time I want to look at my e-mail, it doesn’t work. I only have the Chrome symbol in my task bar. Is this why I have to sign in. Don’t know how to just get symbol for my gmail. I’m using Win 10. I also used to stay signed into my Facebook account on Google, now that doesn’t happen either. I switched to Edge for my Facebook Acct. and I can stay signed in there.