DuckDuckGo updates Chrome extension against Google Privacy Sandbox

The new ad system, Privacy Sandbox, which Google is under development and has only tested on certain people, caused controversy. Although Google states that the new system will hide users’ data, not everyone agrees. Privacy-focused DuckDuckGo also apparently opposes Privacy Sandbox.

DuckDuckGo opposes Chrome’s data collection

Google Topics and FLEDGE in Google’s Privacy Sandbox were made available for certain users within the Chrome browser. DuckDuckGo has updated its privacy extension for Chrome and added the option to disable Google Topics and FLEDGE.

DuckDuckGo’s Product Director Peter Dolanjski stated that while Topics may seem like a less irritating alternative to ad targeting, DuckDuckGo disagrees. Dolanjski stated that although Chrome is Topics, it collects internet data and shares it with other parties without permission, so that third parties can set targets without permission. In addition, Dolanjski also criticized Google’s FLEDGE advertising system. With FLEDGE, without third-party cookies, Chrome repeatedly pops up advertisements that might be of interest to you on different sites. Dolanjski criticized FLEDGE, stating that Google is auctioning off your data.

Google may be open to changes

Google is still testing its new ad system, Privacy Sandbox, and has said it’s keen to get feedback from privacy advocates and regulators. If things go well, Google will block third-party cookies until the end of 2023 and switch to its own advertising system, Privacy Sandbox. What do you think of Privacy Sandbox?