Google continues to improve security practices for its browser. After all, today there are many ways to spy on users using websites that access certain APIs. One of the methods that appeared several years ago was the analysis of smartphone accelerometer data. For this purpose, an API for working with JavaScript was used. This method made it possible, in particular, to determine whether the user is in a car or train, how long he sits without moving or, on the contrary, walks. In addition, using gait recognition, it was possible to uniquely identify the user himself.
And so Google is working to counter this technology. It is reported that they are developing a method for blocking website access to gyroscope, accelerometer and light sensor data. This feature was introduced in the latest Chrome Canary build.
By default, access to sensors is enabled, but Chrome will now warn you when a site is trying to access sensors. This will allow the user to allow or disable work with such data. It is noted that on Android you can block access to your traffic data on all sites at once. That is, there is no “white” and “black list” function yet, although it may appear in the future.
At the same time, we note that at one time the University of Illinois conducted a study that confirmed that sites can easily spy on users through smartphones. It is noted that reading data from accelerometers and gyroscopes is necessary for web page owners or advertisers. This allows you to recognize the user and offer him targeted advertising.
As expected, the new feature will appear in Chrome 75 in the release.
Source: 3dnews.ru
