Chrome 120 Release: Enhanced Security Updates, Password Sharing Features, and Automatic Safety Checks

Google has just announced the launch of Chrome 120, making this highly anticipated update available across all supported platforms. Most users will find their browsers updated automatically thanks to Chrome’s built-in update functionality. To speed up the process, users can navigate to Menu > Help > About Google Chrome, where they’ll see the current version and any updates available for installation. Remember, a restart will be necessary to finalize the update.

Security Enhancements in Chrome 120

This latest version includes 10 critical security patches, addressing vulnerabilities with a high aggregate severity rating. Although only five of the issues are publicly detailed due to Google’s internal policies, they focus on significant security aspects including:

Use after free vulnerabilities
Inadequate implementation issues in Media Stream and Capture
Side Panel Search functionalities
Autofill operations
Web Browser User Interface (UI) concerns

These changes are part of Google’s ongoing commitment to enhance browser security, thus providing users with a safer browsing experience.

Noteworthy Non-Security Updates

Beyond security improvements, Chrome 120 introduces several noteworthy non-security updates:

This version marks the end of support for Android 7 Nougat. Users on Nougat devices will no longer receive updates unless they upgrade to Android 8 or newer.
Support for Theora has been deprecated and removed, enhancing overall browser performance and efficiency.
The browser now features a proactive Safety Check tool that regularly scans for safety-related issues, sending notifications regarding any vulnerabilities discovered during these checks.
A dedicated Safety Check page has been added to Settings, providing results from the latest scans along with recommendations for improvements.

This proactive approach to security helps users stay ahead of potential threats and optimizes their browser’s safety.

New Features and Functionalities

Among the exciting new integrations in Chrome 120 is the functionality for password sharing. This feature, which resides within Chrome’s native password manager, allows members of a Google Family Group to share passwords among themselves. However, it’s important to note that once shared, passwords cannot be updated or revoked by the sender.

Moreover, Chrome 120 takes a significant step towards altering user privacy by initiating the deprecation of third-party cookies. By January 2024, approximately 1% of users will find third-party cookies disabled, with complete implementation expected by mid-2024. This move reflects Google’s commitment to improving online privacy standards.

Changes Specific to iOS Users

For iOS users, Chrome 120 brings two noteworthy updates:

Users can now save images directly to their Google Photos.
The update facilitates package tracking within the browser, streamlining the experience for users keeping an eye on deliveries.

Now You: Are you a Chrome user? Share your experiences with this new update!

Additional Insights

1. What are the key benefits of the new Safety Check feature?

The new Safety Check feature proactively scans your browser for security vulnerabilities, instantaneously notifying you of any issues detected. This helps maintain a secure browsing environment without the need for user-initiated checks.

2. How does password sharing work in Chrome 120?

Password sharing allows Chrome users within a Google Family Group to share passwords easily. However, it’s important to remember that once shared, those passwords cannot be modified or revoked by the sender.

3. What impact does the deprecation of third-party cookies have on users?

The deprecation of third-party cookies aims to enhance user privacy by limiting advertisers’ ability to track user behavior across the web. While this may improve privacy, it could also affect online advertising models and targeted marketing strategies.

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