But a year ago, the company noted: “While we design, build, and test these new solutions, we plan to support existing ads platform features for at least two years, and we intend to provide substantial notice ahead of any future changes.” When Google will also dump and restrict the old app-tracking methods remains unclear. The tech giant only plans on phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome in the second half of 2024. But for now, Google has yet to make the privacy sandbox mandatory. Google argues this “blunt” approach can still fail to protect users' privacy by unleashing more covert forms of app and data tracking. Rival Apple has already instituted stricter data-tracking requirements on iOS. However, it also means advertisers and app developers can continue to use existing data-tracking approaches on Android. The intent is to give the advertising industry a chance to try out the system. And if you change your mind about participating in the Beta, you can turn it off or back on in Settings,” the company added.įor now, the privacy sandbox on Android is voluntary for app makers. “For example, you could see that Android has estimated that you’re interested in topics like Movies or Outdoors, and you can block any topics if they don’t fit your interests. Those enrolled in the Privacy Sandbox on Android will be able to go into the OS' settings to customize the experience. The news is part of Google’s Privacy Sandbox, a company effort to better protect users' privacy while keeping the company's ad-targeting business model intact. “The Privacy Sandbox Beta provides new APIs that are designed with privacy at the core, and don't use identifiers that can track your activity across apps and websites,” Google said in its announcement. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software.