Google is now working on fixing a loophole in its Chromebrowser that allowed some websites to track users even in snooping in'Incognito Mode'. The changes will be part of Chrome 76, the latest build ofthe browser by the end of July.
Google said that it is now going to fix the API called FileSystem loophole. The API allowed websites to create temporary or permanentfiles and could create even after users exit incognito mode.
"Chrome's Incognito Mode is based on the principle thatyou should have the choice to browse the web privately," wrote Google'sBarb Palser in a blog post explaining the move.
With the release of Chrome 76 scheduled for July 30, the behaviour of the File System API will be modified to remedy this method of Incognito Mode detection," added Google in the post.
The tech giant acknowledged the change will affect news publishers with metered paywalls, at a time when the media industry is struggling to stay financially afloat.
"Our (Google) News teams support sites with meter strategies and recognize the goal of reducing meter circumvention, however, any approach based on private browsing detection undermines the principles of Incognito Mode," Google said.
However, some publishers have been fighting back by blockingarticle visits over Chrome's Incognito Mode. Their websites can detect this byexamining the browser's "File System" API, which will be disabledwhen in Incognito Mode.
In its defence, Google said: "We remain open to exploring solutions that are consistent with user trust and private browsing principles."
