Google Chrome to allow Extensions to collect User data to improve AI features

Google is working on a new feature for Chrome that allows certain extensions to collect user data to improve AI features within the browser.

Google Chrome on your desktop lets you ask Gemini AI directly from the address bar. Chrome already offers AI features such as revamped Google Lens Search , Tab Compare, History Search, Tab Organization, Help Me Write, and the ability to create custom themes using AI.

For these features to work, Chrome may collect some data such as your browsing history. For instance, for Search Your History, powered by AI, Chrome explicitly mentions that ‘Your searches, best matches, and their page contents are sent to Google and may be seen by human reviewers to improve this feature.

Chrome’s AI Data Collection via extensions

Following AI-powered History Search, Google is working to build an extension API that allows specific extensions to gather data from the browser. This data can include profile-specific information that extensions couldn’t access before. The goal is to improve AI-driven features within these extensions.

Chrome’s new flag available in Canary,’ Enables AI Data collection via extension’ allows specific extensions to collect data from the browser process. This data may contain profile-specific information that was previously unavailable to extensions.

The feature might encourage developers to create new extensions that leverage AI capabilities. Existing extensions could benefit from access to more data, enabling them to offer more advanced features or perform tasks more effectively.

By allowing extensions to collect more detailed data, Google aims to improve Chrome’s AI features. However, this also raises important questions about privacy and data security, as the collected data could be sensitive.

Google would need to implement strong safeguards to ensure that data is collected and used responsibly. It is also important for the company to be transparent about the types of data being collected, how it’s used, and how users can control their privacy settings.

Apart from this, Chrome is adding a translate screen option to Google Lens and Tab declutter feature. Additionally, Task Manager and PDF Viewer are getting a redesign.