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Google has introduced an Idle Detection API with Chrome 94. Developers from Apple and Mozilla are critical of this function and warn against monitoring. In this practical tip, we tell you what is behind it and how you can switch off the function.
Google Chrome Idle Detection: What’s behind it
Google has introduced a new interface called Idle Detection API in Chrome 94, among other innovations.
- This function is primarily intended for website developers. This is because it allows the browser to tell the website whether the computer is currently being used or not.
- So it’s an idle detection, but it’s not just limited to the Chrome Web Browser, it detects the usage of the entire computer.
- Developers from Mozilla and Apple warn against this feature as it could create usage patterns and invade usage privacy.
- However, surreptitious collection is not possible. This is because a dialogue appears when the website is visited.
- Just as with microphone or location, you must first allow activity data to be collected.
To turn off the feature
If you feel unsafe, you can switch off the function in a few steps.
- To do this, click on the three dots in the top right-hand corner and select “Settings”.
- Click on “Privacy and Security” and then on “Website Settings”.
- Under “Additional permissions” you will find the item “My device usage”. If you click on this, you can switch off the function via the corresponding selection.
