Google is working on a new project Web Environment Integrity API, which will allow you to calculate and block the interference of third-party programs in the code of web pages. After the developers shared the first details about the new product, many users were worried about what the unique technology would lead to and how it would affect user verification.
In this article, we will explain what a potential Google tracking tool is and how it can access personal data.
Google и API Web Integrity
“DRM for the Internet” is the name of the new development, which blocks access to the site if the user has an ad blocker or some other browser extensions connected. The innovation was introduced by Google, which had previously shown Manifest V3 – a plugin system criticized by other developers, which also threatens privacy. Its release has been postponed for the time being and the project has been taken up API Web Integrity.
What is already known
The new mechanism is planned to be built into Google Chrome, as the company spoke about back in May. The developers also shared a page where you can follow the development process. The system is based on the Play Integrity API, it is already on the Android platform, and the creators of Apple’s App Attest were inspired.
Objective of the project
According to the developers themselves, the new Google API system will allow advertisers to correctly calculate impressions from ads, block the flow of bots and cheats on social networks. It is expected that this will help companies better customize traffic and learn more information about users.
How users reacted
Many considered the development dangerous, because those who do not want to merge their data into the network will simply be cut off from the World Wide Web. Some claim that the system will put an end to the free Internet – all information will be in sight, and it will no longer be possible to hide any personal data from advertisers.
What is the Web Integrity API
The Web Integrity API is a third-party identity that identifies the user through special tests. The system will send requests to the user through the “IntegrityToken” token and check that he does not turn out to be a robot, and there are no malicious modifications in his browser.
Scenarios for possible use of the new API
Most of the users are concerned about the possible Google snooping – so far this is the most common scenario for using the API. This is a serious step that can make a revolution and bring both good and bad. Consider other options for using the new technology:
identifying negative manipulations in social networks; preventing the use of bot traffic in advertising; disclosure of phishing campaigns; combating the mass creation of fake accounts or the capture of profiles of other users, including through guessing passwords; elimination of malicious cheating in browser games and fake clients; detection of programs that can steal personal data.
We hope this article helped you learn about Google’s Web Integrity API project and why it’s called DRM for the web. If you have any questions – ask them in commentswe will try to answer. Also read other articles in the relevant sections: movies and series, anime, news.