Google Chrome is introducing a new feature for Android and desktop that will automatically mute notifications from websites users frequently ignore. This update aims to combat notification fatigue and enhance the overall browsing experience.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome will auto-revoke notification permissions for sites with excessive, ignored alerts.
- The feature builds upon the existing Safety Check tool.
- User control is maintained; the feature can be disabled or permissions re-enabled.
- Google reports a ‘significant reduction in notification overload’ from testing.
Enhanced Safety Check for Notifications
Chrome’s Safety Check already helps users manage sensitive permissions like camera and location access. This new functionality extends that protection to website notifications, automatically blocking alerts from sites that send a high volume of messages with little to no user engagement.
How the Auto-Revocation Works
The system mirrors a similar Android feature for unsubscribing from site notifications. It targets only websites that bombard users with alerts they consistently ignore and does not affect installed web apps. Google revealed that fewer than 1% of all web notifications in Chrome receive any user interaction, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Google’s Test Results
In its announcement, Google stated, “We’ve already been testing this feature. Our test results show a significant reduction in notification overload with only a minimal change in total notification clicks.” The company added, “Our experiments also indicate that websites that send a lower volume of notifications are actually seeing an increase in clicks.”
User Control and Availability
Users retain full control. The auto-revocation feature can be turned off completely in settings. If desired, notifications for specific sites can be manually re-enabled by revisiting the website or adjusting permissions via the Safety Check menu. While a specific date hasn’t been announced, the feature is expected to roll out to all users in an upcoming Chrome update.
