Google announces new Privacy Sandbox timeline for Chrome

[Brink]

The Privacy Sandbox proposals are in various stages of development. This timeline reflects when we expect new technologies will be ready to support key use cases, so that Chrome can responsibly phase out third-party cookies. Information may change and will be updated monthly. Last update: July 2021.



Frequently Asked Questions

How often will the timeline be updated?
The timeline will be updated monthly.

Is this the definitive list of technologies Chrome will be supporting?
Not necessarily. Chrome is focused on developing proposals that support key use cases. The set of proposals solving for a particular use case (for example, showing relevant content and ads) may change and evolve over time, with web community feedback and testing. The APIs shown on the timeline are based on current expectations and might change.

How firm are the dates on the timeline?
It’s difficult to forecast how long the open, public process for developing a new web technology might take, as the new APIs may receive a lot of feedback or require multiple testing cycles. These extended discussions and testing stages often produce better, more complete solutions, and the timeline for testing and ready for adoption of use cases might change accordingly.

Where can I learn more about the timeline to phase out third-party cookies support in Chrome?
You can read an announcement of this change on the Keyword blog.

Why doesn’t the timeline show all the Privacy Sandbox proposals?
The timeline is specific to key use cases related to Chrome’s plan to phase out third-party cookies. The technologies solving for the second goal of the Privacy Sandbox initiative -- prevent covert tracking -- will follow separate timelines, as noted above.

What does origin trial (“OT”) mean in the timeline?
Origin trials are one method of testing new web technologies in Chrome. “OT” labels are shown when a Chrome origin trial has been publicly announced, is in progress or has concluded. We will add new origin trials, and other forms of available testing, on the timeline as part of the monthly updates.

How can I find out exactly when an origin trial (“OT”) is starting or ending?
Chrome’s origin trial registration page provides information for origin trials that are live or starting soon. Click the “Register” button for an active origin trial to see planned start and end dates. Note, it’s common to extend origin trials when further testing is needed. It is also common for technologies to go through multiple origin trials as they are refined.

Does this timeline reflect when the APIs will be available globally?
The “ready for adoption” milestone reflects when Chrome expects each use case to be supported globally. It is common for testing to begin with a limited population and gradually expand. We are committed to making all of the Privacy Sandbox technologies available for testing worldwide before they launch. For the “testing” stage, certain APIs may be available in limited ways, for example in selected countries.

Is Chrome considering proposals from other members of the web community?
This timeline reflects the use cases Chrome expects to support before phasing out third-party cookies. Many of the proposed technologies shown on the timeline incorporate concepts and feedback from industry and ecosystem stakeholders. We'll continue to engage publicly and review other proposals as we consider the best way to address critical use cases that support the open web ecosystem.

Read more: https://privacysandbox.com/timeline

 

[michael diemer]

Google and Privacy? Isn't that an oxymoron?