Google is introducing a new Chrome browser feature for Android and desktop that will automatically mute notifications from websites users frequently ignore. According to multiple reports, this enhancement expands on Chrome’s Safety Check tool, aiming to reduce notification fatigue and create a smoother, less cluttered browsing experience.
Improved Control Through Safety Check
Chrome’s existing Safety Check feature already allows users to manage sensitive permissions such as camera and location access. The latest update extends this control to website notifications, automatically revoking permissions for sites that send numerous alerts but receive little or no engagement from users.
How It Works
This auto-revocation system functions similarly to an Android feature that lets users quickly unsubscribe from unwanted website notifications. Importantly, it won’t affect web apps installed on the device. The feature will specifically target websites that frequently send notifications users rarely interact with.
Reports highlight that fewer than 1% of all Chrome web notifications get user engagement, suggesting that the vast majority are ignored.
Google Reports Noticeable Drop in Notification Clutter
Google stated that initial testing showed a major reduction in notification overload, while maintaining nearly the same overall level of user clicks. Interestingly, websites that send fewer notifications actually saw a rise in engagement after the change.
Users Retain Full Control
Despite the automation, users remain in charge of their preferences. They can disable the auto-mute feature completely or manually re-enable notifications for specific sites through Chrome’s Safety Check settings or by revisiting those websites.
While Google hasn’t revealed an exact release date, the feature is expected to roll out soon as part of an upcoming Chrome update
