Are you aware that your clicks might be tracked? For over two decades, Chrome’s visited links privacy flaws have raised concerns. Unscrupulous websites can access your browsing history by checking which links you’ve interacted with. Fortunately, with Chrome’s recent update, you can now safeguard your browsing habits. This guide will delve into the privacy vulnerability, highlight the new feature, and show you how to enable it right now to enhance your online safety.
Understanding the Visited Links Privacy Issue
Ever noticed how your web browser changes the color of visited links? Typically, links turn purple once you interact with them, indicating that you have previously clicked on them. While this seems innocuous, it allows deceptive websites to exploit this feature to track your digital footprint.
By leveraging this information, these sites can build a profile of your online activities, akin to someone prying into your private diaries. This isn’t exclusive to Chrome; virtually all browsers face the same challenge. While Firefox and Safari have implemented partial protections to limit this vulnerability, no solution has fully eradicated the issue.
This problem persists because it stems from fundamental browser operations. However, there are several strategies to fortify your privacy while using Google Chrome. Stay informed to browse more securely!
How Chrome’s Update Bolsters Your Privacy
The latest update to Chrome revolutionizes how visited links are handled, enhancing your privacy significantly. Now, when you click on a link, it will solely be tracked by the originating site. For instance, if you visit Make Tech Easier, only this site can detect that you clicked a link, thereby preventing other external sites from cross-checking your activity.
This crucial update will become universally available with the launch of Chrome version 136 in April 2025. However, savvy users can activate this feature early in version 132 by modifying a specific setting.
This change is a monumental leap for online privacy, showcasing Chrome’s commitment to leading the browser market. Complementing this update with top-notch Chrome security extensions can further enhance your protection.
Steps to Activate the Privacy Feature in Chrome
If you’re using Chrome version 132 or later, you don’t need to wait for the official update. You can activate this feature right away to bolster your visited links privacy. Here’s how:
- Open Chrome and type
chrome://flags/#partition-visited-link-database-with-self-linksinto the address bar. - In the settings menu that appears, find the option labeled Partition the Visited Link Database, including ‘self-links’ and switch it to Enabled.
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- Finally, click on Relaunch to restart Chrome and apply your changes.
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By enabling this setting, you’ll restore a significant layer of privacy until the official Chrome 136 rollout. Curious about more security tips? Discover how to preview links in Chrome to steer clear of untrustworthy sites!
This transformative update addresses a long-standing flaw in browsers, giving you more control over your clicks and protecting your privacy. Make sure to update once version 136 is available for a stronger defense!
For added security, consider using the Disconnect extension to block potential trackers and enable various privacy settings. We welcome your thoughts—feel free to comment with suggestions or queries!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do to enhance my online privacy in Chrome?
To boost your privacy while browsing in Chrome, you can activate the partitioned visited link database feature, use privacy-focused extensions like Disconnect, and regularly review your browser security settings.
2. When will the new visited links privacy feature be officially available?
The new privacy feature that addresses visited links will be officially rolled out with Chrome version 136, expected in April 2025.
3. Can other browsers be affected by similar privacy issues?
Yes, all leading browsers have faced the visited links privacy issue. While some have attempted fixes, such as Firefox and Safari, it remains a fundamental challenge across the industry.
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