If you use Google Chrome, it’s important to know that your online activities are often monitored. Many of us hoped that with the end of tracking cookies, our internet browsing would become less intrusive. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. In fact, things might be worse because a method called digital fingerprinting has made a comeback. This practice, which Google itself has criticized, allows trackers to gather information about you based on your device and browsing habits. However, there is some good news on the horizon. Change is coming, but it will require you to adjust how you use your browser.
Google is introducing improvements to how your IP address is tracked when you browse Chrome. An IP address is like an online address that can reveal your location and activities on the web. The company’s new feature, called IP Protection, aims to limit access to your real IP address to third parties. This means that data trackers won’t be able to see your original IP address anymore, even if it’s related to Google’s own services. However, there is a downside: this feature will only work when you are using Chrome’s Incognito mode, which is designed for private browsing.
You might notice similarities between this feature and Apple’s Private Relay. Private Relay hides your IP address and prevents anyone—including Apple—from seeing both who you are and the sites you visit. It does this by sending your browsing requests through two secure relays. Google’s upcoming IP Protection will work similarly: while Google will still be able to see your IP address, it will use a third party to manage the second IP query, ensuring that it doesn’t have access to both your real IP address and the website’s address at the same time.
Apple’s Private Relay makes sure that your internet provider and the first relay (run by Apple) can see your IP address, but your DNS records (which show which websites you’re visiting) are encrypted, meaning neither party can see the sites you’re browsing. The second relay, run by another provider, withholds your actual IP address by creating a temporary one for your connection.
However, it’s crucial to understand that Google’s IP Protection will only work when you are browsing in Incognito mode. If you’re using Chrome normally, these new privacy protections will not apply to your activities. This is different from Apple’s model, which covers all your browsing activities in Safari. Google’s approach seems to be developing step-by-step.
While Google is still working on finalizing this IP Protection, it’s expected to be available sooner than another privacy feature they are developing—a simple button to turn off tracking cookies across the entire browser. This second enhancement may face delays due to regulatory issues and discussions within the tech industry.
In the meantime, taking advantage of Incognito mode in Chrome can provide you with an extra layer of privacy. As internet tracking methods evolve, it’s important to stay informed and consider how changes to your online habits can help protect your personal information. By adjusting your browser settings and being aware of these new features, you can enjoy a more private browsing experience.
