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Google Chrome silences those pesky notifications

Google Chrome will now automatically disable notifications from websites that users haven't interacted with recently, aiming to reduce unwanted alerts. This feature applies to both Android and desktop versions, acknowledging low user engagement with notifications, where less than 1% receive interaction. Users can choose to opt-out of this feature if desired.

Key points

  • Google announced a new feature for Chrome to automatically disable notifications from inactive websites.
  • The feature targets both Android and desktop users, enhancing the existing Safety Check functionality.
  • Less than 1% of all notifications in Chrome receive user interactions, highlighting the ineffectiveness of current systems.
  • The change could prompt websites that rely on frequent notifications to reconsider their practices.
  • Users will be notified when permissions are removed and can opt out of the auto-revocation feature.

Why it matters

  • This update reflects a growing trend in tech companies addressing user feedback regarding excessive notifications, similar to Apple's adjustments.
  • In 2025, user experience and engagement metrics will increasingly shape how tech companies design notification systems.
  • The shift towards minimizing user distraction aligns with broader trends in digital wellbeing and the pursuit of less intrusive tech solutions.

Google's initiative to limit unwanted notifications in Chrome signifies a critical shift in user privacy and experience, emphasizing low engagement and prompting a reevaluation of notification strategies by web services.