Chrome on Android lets use fingerprint scanner to open private browsing
Android users are getting a new Chrome update today that gives them even more privacy. The latter indeed brings the possibility of requiring the scanning of fingerprints to open an instance of private browsing already launched. Thus, only the owner of the smartphone will be able to access these secret tabs.
Google is constantly working to improve its browser, in order to maintain its position as market leader. And if not all updates can be real revolutions, some new features are worth seeing. Today in particular, the Mountain View company has started the deployment of a new feature on Android, called “Unlock Incognito”.
As its name suggests, this feature allows you to lock access to private browsing. Specifically, it allows requiring the user to scan their fingerprints to view private tabs already open in an instance. In this way, another indiscreet user will not be able to access this private window without the knowledge of the smartphone owner.
Related: Chrome on Android Now Allows You to Open Multiple Windows at Once
Secure your private browsing with this new Chrome feature on Android
To activate this option, just go to the Chrome settings, in the section Privacy and Security. Activation of course requires that the user verify their identity with a scan of their fingerprints or the validation of their PIN code. You must have updated to Chrome 109 to be able to use it.
Related — Google: The End of Passwords is Coming to Chrome and Android
Google says the feature is rolling out to all Android users. At the time of this writing, however, we have not been able to test it ourselves in writing, suggesting that it has not yet found its way to France. However, there is a way to take advantage of it while it is available.
To do this, simply activate the corresponding flag by copying and pasting this URL into your search bar: chrome://flags/#incognito-reauthentication-for-android. You will then have access to the functionality while waiting for the official update.
Source: Google
