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Representatives at Mozilla drew attention to the new Idle Detection API function, which, according to the company, could put users of the Google browser at risk.
The official release of the Google Chrome 94 browser has taken place. It implements a number of new useful features, but there are some functions that should be taken with skepticism.
According to Mozilla, Crome 94 has an Idle Detection API to monitor users. This function can track how long and how the user interacts with the open browser page.
This is a much deeper problem than it might seem at first, Mozilla believes. The browser will not only know in detail how the user interacts with the sites, but will also be able to compose a picture of the activity.
According to the Firefox developers, this feature creates "an opportunity for surveillance capitalism."
Mozilla Web Standards Lead Tantek Celik commented on GitHub: “As currently stated, I find the Idle Detection API too tempting an opportunity for websites motivated by surveillance capitalism to invade any aspect of a user's physical privacy, keep long-term records of physical user behavior , recognize daily rhythms (eg lunchtime) and use this for active psychological manipulation (eg hunger, emotions, choice) ...
So I propose to label this API as harmful and encourage further incubation, perhaps rethinking simpler and less invasive alternative approaches to address motivating use cases. "
However, it's worth noting that the API can be disabled in the same way as browser requests for geolocation or camera services. In this case, Chrome will constantly ask permission to use your activity on the page.
The official release of the Google Chrome 94 browser has taken place. It implements a number of new useful features, but there are some functions that should be taken with skepticism.
According to Mozilla, Crome 94 has an Idle Detection API to monitor users. This function can track how long and how the user interacts with the open browser page.
This is a much deeper problem than it might seem at first, Mozilla believes. The browser will not only know in detail how the user interacts with the sites, but will also be able to compose a picture of the activity.
According to the Firefox developers, this feature creates "an opportunity for surveillance capitalism."
Mozilla Web Standards Lead Tantek Celik commented on GitHub: “As currently stated, I find the Idle Detection API too tempting an opportunity for websites motivated by surveillance capitalism to invade any aspect of a user's physical privacy, keep long-term records of physical user behavior , recognize daily rhythms (eg lunchtime) and use this for active psychological manipulation (eg hunger, emotions, choice) ...
So I propose to label this API as harmful and encourage further incubation, perhaps rethinking simpler and less invasive alternative approaches to address motivating use cases. "
However, it's worth noting that the API can be disabled in the same way as browser requests for geolocation or camera services. In this case, Chrome will constantly ask permission to use your activity on the page.
