Google steps up privacy, restricts third party cookies for 1% of Chrome users

Google has begun limiting the use of third-party cookies for 1% of its Chrome browser users, according to a company blog post. The tech giant explained that although the update may take a few days to reach certain users, it plans to roll it out to all users by the third quarter of 2024. Cookies are data clusters that aid servers in enhancing a user's online experience, but they can also violate privacy, hence many websites provide the option to disable them. Alongside having their cookies disabled, the 1% of Chrome users getting the update will see a new set of Tracking Protection controls. These will be signified by an eye symbol in a website’s address bar attempting third-party cookie access, displaying more information about their browsing privacy. Users will further have the option to permit cookies for specific sites. However, Google stated that the comprehensive update is contingent on approval from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to assuage concerns over its cookie limitations potentially stifling sector competition. The UK government website announced it had accepted Google's responses to these issues.