Google is developing a new privacy feature for its Chrome browser called IP Protection that aims to prevent covert tracking by hiding users’ IP addresses on certain websites.
The opt-in feature indicates Google’s attempts to balance privacy concerns with core web functionalities.
IP addresses allow tracking but also enable web services
IP addresses play a dual role on the web. They are essential for traffic routing, geolocation, security and other vital functions. But IP addresses also allow persistent tracking of users across websites to compile detailed profiles.
Unlike cookies, IP addresses do not currently provide a direct way for users to avoid tracking. So Google is looking for a solution that maintains the beneficial uses of IP addresses while preventing misuse for cross-site monitoring.
IP protection would represent traffic to mask IPs from trackers
The proposed IP protection feature handles the dual nature of IP addresses by routing traffic from specific third-party domains through proxy servers. This would make users’ IPs invisible to those services while still enabling essential networking tasks.
As the tracking landscape evolves, Google plans to adapt intellectual property protection to constantly protect users. It will probably expand the domains that receive proxies as more users appear covertly profiling.
For now, intellectual property protection will be an optional feature to give users control over privacy trade-offs and allow Google to evaluate adoption and impact.
Phased implementation focused on high-risk monitoring domains
Google intends to introduce intellectual property protection gradually to adapt to regional needs and incremental learning about the effects. Initial testing will focus on domains perceived to track users across sites.
In Phase 0, Google will represent its own domains using a proprietary proxy. This will allow infrastructure checks to be performed before expanding the domain list.
Access will be limited to logged-in Chrome users with US IPs. A token system will prevent misuse. As testing progresses, the architecture and safeguards will be refined.
2-hop system could further improve anonymity
To increase privacy, Google is considering a 2-hop proxy model for future phases. A second proxy run by a third-party provider would make it impossible for either proxy to see both the users’ IP addresses and destinations.
Google also plans to assign geolocated IP addresses to proxy servers instead of users’ exact locations. This will preserve services that depend on general regions like GeoIP.
Security Concerns and Impacts on Fraud Prevention
Security experts note that routing traffic through Google proxy servers could impact fraud and DDoS prevention. Additionally, a compromised proxy server could expose proxy data.
To mitigate risks, Google may require user authentication, prevent linking of web requests to accounts, and introduce speed limitations.
Overall, IP Protection represents Google’s efforts to balance privacy and critical web functionality related to IP addresses. As the feature evolves, Google aims to maximize user privacy protection while maintaining a secure and seamless browsing experience.
Subscribe to our latest newsletter
To read our exclusive content, register now. $5/Monthly, $50/Yearly
Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn