11 Oct

Alison Harvard

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Ever worried about someone snooping through your recent browsing history? We've all been there. Whether you're searching for a surprise gift on a shared device or simply want to maintain your privacy, Google Chrome is testing a tool that could be the answer to your problems. This new feature, currently in the Canary build of the desktop version Chrome 120, allows users to delete the last 15 minutes of their browsing history.

For years, privacy-conscious Internet users had to resort to the 'nuclear option' of wiping out their entire browsing history to keep their online activities secret. Google, recognizing this issue, has introduced more nuanced controls over time. And now, this feature brings an even more targeted approach to maintaining privacy. It's a godsend for those moments when you need to quickly erase traces of your immediate online activity.

This experimental feature was initially introduced in the Android version of Google's web browser and has now been extended to desktop users. To access this option, users need to navigate to chrome://flags, look for the 'Clear Browsing Data Timeframe Experiment on Desktop' flag, and set it to 'Enabled'. This allows users to clear any traces of their online activities from the last quarter of an hour with just a few clicks.

While it might not seem like a significant time frame, the ability to delete the last 15 minutes of browsing history can come in handy in numerous situations. It could be a lifesaver when you're shopping for a surprise present on a shared computer, or when you're indulging in a short online activity that you'd rather keep private. This small, yet powerful feature adds an extra layer of privacy at a moment's notice.

In conclusion, Google's decision to test this feature is a testament to their commitment to user privacy. It reinforces the idea that we should all have control over our own digital footprints. While this feature is still in its testing phase, it is a promising sign of more user-friendly privacy options to come. So, keep an eye out for this game-changing feature and embrace the control it gives you over your browsing history!