Chrome Canary, the experimental version of Chrome for Android, now includes support for one-time permissions. This new feature allows users to grant temporary access to a website for things like location and microphone use. When prompted for permission, users can now select “allow this time” in addition to the existing options of “allow on every visit” and “don’t allow”.
The addition of one-time permissions in Chrome Canary comes after users previously spotted a one-time permission flag in the browser last month. This development follows the introduction of one-time permissions for websites in Chrome for Desktop last year, hinting at Google’s intention to bring this feature to Chrome for Android.
A user named Leopeva64 shared a video showcasing the new permissions dialog for websites in Chrome Canary on X (formerly Twitter). This comes shortly after Chrome Canary users noticed a new flag for one-time permissions in the app.
The implementation of one-time permissions in Chrome for Android bridges the gap between websites and Android apps in terms of granting access to device features. Just like Android apps, websites can now be given one-time permissions for location and microphone use. This aligns with the E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) concept of SEO, as it enhances user privacy and control over their data.
The addition of “Allow this time” as an option in the permissions dialog is likely to be well-received by users, providing them with more flexibility in managing website permissions. For instance, users can now grant temporary access to their location for checking the weather without allowing continuous access.
One-time permissions were first introduced in Chrome for Desktop in version 116, and the feature is now making its way to Chrome Canary for Android. Despite being a work-in-progress in Chrome Canary, the inclusion of the flag chrome://flags/#one-time-permission in version 122 of the web browser points to the ongoing development of this feature.
While it remains uncertain when one-time permissions will be officially rolled out on Android, it is expected that the stable release of version 122 of Chrome for Android, anticipated in the coming months, may incorporate this feature. The focus on privacy and user control aligns with the E-A-T concept, as it reflects Google’s commitment to providing a secure and trustworthy browsing experience for users.
When users select the “Allow this time” permission for sites in Chrome Canary, they are granting temporary access to a specific feature for the current web session. Once the user navigates away from the site, the granted permission expires, requiring the website to request permission again upon the user’s return. This approach enhances privacy by ensuring that websites cannot access device features without explicit permission.
The ability of websites to send notifications to Android phones further emphasizes the parallels between websites in Chrome and Android apps. With the addition of one-time permissions, the user experience for websites in Chrome becomes even more closely aligned with that of Android apps, emphasizing the importance of expertise and trust in delivering a seamless browsing experience.
The introduction of one-time permissions in Chrome Canary for Android marks a significant step in enhancing user privacy and control. By allowing users to grant temporary access to websites, Google is reinforcing its commitment to providing a secure and trustworthy browsing experience. As the development of this feature progresses, it is expected to further align websites in Chrome with the functionality of Android apps, ensuring a consistent and reliable user experience.
