People not just use Google.com, they trust it blindly as the only reliable source of information and knowledge. This dependency and trust is extended to their various other products and services.

Google Chrome is considered the best browser by many users at homes and offices. In fact, even though Microsoft Edge is educating people on the benefits of its Edge browser and its features—people blindly chase Google Chrome even though not many actually know the extent of its many features and functionalities.

Google Chrome shares your phone number, email and residence / work address with websites automatically through its Autofill feature, which stores your personal information to fill out forms faster. If you have previously entered your phone number on a website, Chrome may have saved it to your Google Account. It can then offer to automatically input that data on similar forms in the future.

This is a convenience feature, but it can create privacy concerns if you are not aware of what information is saved and how it is being used.

Often, websites are able to gain this data even if you had no intention of sharing it with them.

How Chrome uses your phone number?

• Autofill service: When you type information into an online form, including your phone number, Chrome may or may not ask you if you want to save that information. Most of the times, the save setting is on by default so it won’t ask your permission to save the data, including usernames. If asked and if you unwittingly click agree while in a hurry to get things done, the data is saved to your Google Account if you are signed in, and it will be synchronized across your devices.
• WebOTP API: Some websites use the WebOTP API to help verify your phone number. When you receive a text message containing a one-time password (OTP), this API allows the browser to read the code and automatically enter it into the form on your behalf, after you give it permission or if it is on by default settings.
• Malicious sites: A key security risk is that malicious websites can create hidden fields within a web form to steal your personal information. If you have autofill enabled, your stored phone number or other details could be automatically entered into these invisible fields without your knowledge.

How to stop Chrome from sharing your phone number?

You can take control of this feature by managing your saved Autofill data.

On desktop

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dots menu icon at the top right.
2. Go to Settings ; Autofill and passwords.
3. Click on Addresses and more.
4. Toggle off the “Save and fill addresses” option to disable the feature entirely.
5. To delete specific phone numbers, click on the entry you want to remove and select Delete.

On Android

1. Open the Chrome app and tap the three-dots menu icon.
2. Go to Settings ; Addresses and more.
3. Toggle off Save and fill addresses.
4. You can also delete specific saved phone numbers from this menu.

TO DELETE ALL AUTOFILL DATA

1. Navigate to Chrome’s Settings menu.
2. Go to Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
3. Choose a time range, such as “All time.”
4. Under the “Advanced” tab, select Autofill form data and click Clear data.

Take control of your online existence—because eventually they will start affecting you offline—sooner than later.

For guidance and advice on matters personal and professional, reach out to us by email to GET@BUDVICE.COM