Google to Fix 23-Year-Old Bug that Turns Even Unvisited Links ‘Purple’
In a move that is long overdue, Google is finally fixing a 23-year-old bug that has been allowing websites to access users’ browsing history. The bug, which has been present since the early days of the internet, has been a source of concern for privacy advocates and users alike. The issue revolves around a feature that turns links ‘purple’ after a user visits them, changing the color of the link on all websites that feature that link, even if the user hasn’t clicked on it on that website.
The bug has been present in the web browser for over two decades, and its discovery has left many wondering why it took so long to be addressed. The good news is that Google is finally taking steps to fix the issue, and the fix is expected to be rolled out soon.
How the Bug Works
For those who may not be familiar with the bug, it works as follows. When a user visits a website, the website can detect whether the user has visited a particular link on that website before. This is done by checking whether the link has been visited in the user’s browser history. If the link has been visited, the website can then change the color of the link to ‘purple’ to indicate that the user has already visited it.
The problem arises when the user visits a website that features the same link, but hasn’t actually clicked on it on that website. For example, let’s say a user visits a website that features a link to another website. If the user hasn’t actually clicked on the link, the link will still be ‘purple’ on the second website, indicating that the user has already visited it.
Why is this a Problem?
The bug may seem harmless at first glance, but it can actually be a significant privacy concern. By accessing a user’s browsing history, websites can gain insight into a user’s online activities, including the websites they visit and the links they click on. This can be used to build a profile of the user’s interests and browsing habits, which can be used for targeted advertising and other purposes.
Moreover, the bug can also be used to track a user’s movements across the internet. If a user visits a website that features a link, and then visits another website that also features the same link, the second website can detect that the user has visited the first website, even if they haven’t actually clicked on the link.
Google’s Solution
Google has announced that it will be fixing the bug by ‘partitioning’ the link. This means that the link will no longer be able to detect whether the user has visited it before, and will instead remain the same color regardless of whether the user has visited the link before.
The fix is expected to be rolled out soon, and will apply to all Google web browsers, including Chrome and Firefox. The fix is a welcome move for privacy advocates, who have been calling for action to address the bug for years.
Conclusion
The fix to the 23-year-old bug is a significant step forward for online privacy. By addressing this bug, Google is showing that it is committed to protecting users’ privacy and ensuring that their browsing history is not used to track them across the internet.
The bug is a reminder of the importance of online privacy, and the need for users to be vigilant in protecting their personal data. With the fix to the bug, users can rest assured that their online activities are private and secure.
Source:
https://developer.chrome.com/blog/visited-links
Note: The above blog post is a rewritten version of the original content, and is not a direct copy. The original content was found at the provided URL, which is the official source of the information.
