Google is working on a new feature for Chrome on Android to help keep your private information safe when you’re sharing or recording your screen. This update is focused on protecting details like your credit card numbers and passwords from being accidentally shown to others.
The problem
When you share or record your screen on Android, there’s a chance that sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, could be visible. This is especially true when you’re using regular Chrome tabs, as opposed to incognito mode, which already blocks screen capture.
Google’s solution
To address this, according to Bleeping Computer, Google is testing a new feature called “Redact sensitive content during screen sharing, screen recording and similar actions.” Once turned on, this feature will automatically hide sensitive fields on a webpage, like where you enter your password or credit card number, whenever you share or record your screen.
According to Google’s description, if the page you’re viewing has any sensitive information, Chrome will block out the entire area during screen sharing or recording. This feature is designed for Android versions V and above, so it won’t work on older operating system versions.
When can you try it?
This feature isn’t available just yet, but it will soon be released for testing in Chrome Canary, which is a special version of Chrome for developers and early adopters. This means you’ll be able to try it out in the next few weeks, but it might take a bit longer before it’s available to everyone.
Along with this redaction feature, Chrome for Android is also adding an option to close all incognito tabs at once, making it easier to manage your private browsing sessions.
The option to close all incognito tabs is also new: pic.twitter.com/RcghY5S2eg
— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) August 11, 2024
Why is it important?
With this new feature, Google is ensuring that your private information stays private, even when you’re sharing your screen. Whether you’re on a video call, making a tutorial, or just browsing the web, this update will help protect your sensitive data from being seen by others. Keep an eye on Chrome updates, especially if you’re using Chrome Canary, to be among the first to try out these new privacy features.
