Google is working on a new feature in Chrome that allows artificial intelligence to control a user’s browsing history. Chrome users can then interact with the AI when they search their browsing history.
Here are the highlights:
- Chrome users will soon be able to search browsing history in natural language.
- The browser locally stores the content of visited pages in encrypted form.
- The feature submits search data to Google.
Google notes that the search includes “general page content” as well as page titles and URLs. The feature returns “enhanced results” and works from the address bar and history page according to Google.
Since it uses AI, it supports the use of “common search language,” according to Google.
Word of warning: Google displays a warning to users who manage the feature in Chrome. Under “Things to Consider,” Google writes that data is still sent to Google when the feature is used.
The data includes “historical search terms, top match page content, and generated model output.” Additionally, Google confirms that the data can be viewed by human reviewers “to improve functionality.” Chrome saves page content “in encrypted form” on the device.
This does not mean that Chrome reviewers do not have access to page content, because MSPoweruser » suggested author Rafly Gilang. Google even states that reviewers have access to “top match page content.”
There is no word on anonymization of personal data. It’s possible that Google is doing this, but there’s no evidence on the current “AI-powered history search” page in Chrome settings.
In other words, Google can access personal information. A very simple example is a personal website or social media profile.
The good news is that the feature can be disabled or enabled in Chrome. It remains to be seen whether it is activated by default or not. This would likely go against GDPR in the EU if it were enabled automatically.
Closing words
Running searches on URLs, page titles, and content is certainly a desirable feature, provided the data remains local and users have full control over the functionality.
The current history feature can only return matching URLs or titles. Extensions such as Memex have been created in the past to allow users to search page content as well.
Google’s work on the AI-powered history search feature is ongoing. It’s possible that things will change in future releases or the entire feature will be removed before the official release.
Would you use an AI-powered history search feature?
Summary
Article name
Chrome sends AI history search data to Google
Description
Google is working on a new AI history search feature in its Chrome web browser that also searches page content. There is, however, a downside when it comes to privacy.
Author
Martin Brinkmann
Editor
Ghacks Technology News
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