Internet Privacy Change Put on Hold

Google has decided not to go ahead with its plan to stop using third-party cookies in its Chrome web browser. This plan was first announced four years ago but has now been canceled after several delays.

Cookies are small files that websites save on your computer. They help advertisers track what you do online and show you targeted ads.

Instead of removing cookies, Google says it will work on a new approach. This new plan will give users a clear choice about their web browsing privacy. Google is talking with regulators about what to do next.

This means that in the future, you’ll still see a pop-up asking if you want to turn cookies on or off when you visit websites.

The UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, is not happy with this decision. They think blocking third-party cookies would have been good for internet users.

Why Cookies Matter

Third-party cookies are important for online advertising. They let advertisers see what you do across different websites and show you ads based on your interests.

Google is a big name in online advertising. Its plan to replace cookies, called “Privacy Sandbox,” caused arguments. Other companies worried it would give Google too much power.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) got involved in 2021. They were concerned that Google’s plan might make more advertisers use Google’s systems.

The CMA made Google promise to address these concerns in 2022. Now, they want to know what people think about Google’s change of plans.