Google Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser, is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to control their extensions on a site-by-site basis. This new feature is expected to significantly enhance the current ‘on or off for everyone toggle.
With the vast number of Google Chrome extensions available, users often struggle with needing help choosing between functionality and privacy. While some extensions are essential for a smooth browsing experience, others may track user data across multiple websites, hindering performance and compromising privacy. The new feature aims to give users more control and flexibility over their browsing experience.
Current Status: Currently, Chrome users can allow and disallow extensions at any time; however, managing these settings can be tedious, especially when users frequently visit different websites. This can lead to extensions being active on websites where they are not needed, causing performance issues, or being disabled on websites where they are required. The new feature aims to solve this problem by allowing users to apply extension settings per site.
The New Tool: The new tool, discovered by a Reddit user, will be located in the extension menu next to the address bar. It will allow users to turn on and deactivate extensions site-by-site, ensuring that extensions are only active on websites where they are needed.
This feature is similar to the “pause extensions on this site” feature already implemented by Microsoft Edge and aims to bring Chrome closer to Edge in terms of functionality. Safari users need to disable all extensions to ensure they are not active on specific websites, which can be time-consuming. The new feature aims to provide Chrome users with a simpler and more efficient solution.
Availability and Testing: The update is currently being developed, and it may be a while before it becomes available to Chrome users. Additionally, the Google Chrome Extension Control Feature may be tested in an A/B test, meaning that not everyone will have access to it initially.
However, when the Google Chrome Extension Control Feature becomes available, it is expected to be widely used, as Chrome currently accounts for 66% of all desktop internet sessions, according to the latest Statcounter statistics. This is a significant leap ahead of Edge, which accounts for 11% of sessions, and Safari, which accounts for 9% of sessions.
Conclusion: Once implemented, the Google Chrome Extension Control Feature will give Chrome users more control and flexibility over their browsing experience. It will allow users to apply extension settings per-site, ensuring that extensions are only active on websites where they are needed, leading to better performance and enhanced privacy.
The Google Chrome Extension Control Feature availability and testing are yet to be determined, but it is expected to be widely used once it is available. Google Chrome continues to innovate and improve its browser, and this new feature is a testament to that.
