Jakarta, domclub Indonesia
—
Microsoft
again directing Windows users to no longer use the browser
Google Chrome
.What is the reason?
After the system update, Windows announced to its users to stop downloading Google Chrome.They encourage users to choose the Microsoft Edge browser.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
According to Forbes, Tuesday (16/12), this step is seen as the technology giant’s latest effort to keep users in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Microsoft emphasizes the issue of personal data protection and cyber security in the use of their browser.The company claims that Microsoft Edge is one of the most complete browsers with private browsing features, password monitoring, and protection against cyber threats.
This approach is nothing new.Previously, Microsoft also often emphasized that Edge was built on the same Chromium base as Chrome.
The company often claims Edge offers a similar, if not better, experience.However, in this Windows update, this claim of similarity is removed, with full focus on the security narrative.
Microsoft’s move drew criticism from the Browser Choice Alliance, a group whose members include browser developers including Chrome.
The alliance assesses that Microsoft is spreading misleading messages regarding security, in order to influence user choices.
“Microsoft should side with users, not recycle old pop-ups with new messages to undermine consumer choice and hinder competing browsers,” said representatives of the alliance.
Until now, Microsoft has not provided an official statement regarding this criticism.
Apple’s similar move
Microsoft’s strategy is reminiscent of a similar campaign Apple has run with Safari, highlighting privacy, tracking, and issues
fingerprinting
to compare competing browsers.
Apple recently issued a warning to iPhone and Mac users not to use Chrome or other Google applications.The company encourages iPhone and Mac users to use its default browser, Safari, which it claims is safer for protecting data and privacy.
“Safari works to prevent advertisers and websites from using the unique combination of your device’s characteristics to create ‘
fingerprints
‘ to track you,” Apple said.
“To fight the practice
fingerprints
“Safari displays a simplified version of the system configuration so that more devices appear identical to trackers, making it harder for them to identify your device,” he continued.
Apple highlights its digital tracking practices, including
fingerprinting
, which is said to be increasingly difficult to control.Moreover, Google also lifted the ban on tracking methods that are difficult to detect and cannot be disabled.
Fingerprinting
takes small data from the device, from screen type, language, to OS configuration, then combines it into the unit’s identity.Different from tracking cookies which can be disabled, fingerprinting does not have an opt-out option.
Despite banning the use of Chrome and other Google apps, Apple says Safari still works well with Google services like Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
In addition to privacy issues, Apple also highlighted new security risks arising from Chrome’s integration with the Gemini AI model.The reason is, AI-based browsers are said to be able to open up serious attacks.
Google acknowledges the threats, especially attacks
indirect prompt injection
which can trigger dangerous actions such as unauthorized financial transactions or data theft.
“The main new threat faced by all agent browsers is indirect prompt injection. This threat can appear on malicious sites, third-party content in iframes,” Google said.
“Or from user-generated content such as user reviews, and may cause agents to take undesirable actions such as initiating financial transactions or exfiltrating sensitive data,” he continued.
But Google says it has prepared multiple layers of defense, to make attacks difficult and expensive.
(wpj/dmi)
[Gambas:domclub Video]
