Google is testing a new Chrome feature that gives users greater control over how their location is shared with websites. The update, currently available in Chrome for Android version 142.0.7444.171, introduces an option that lets users provide an approximate location instead of their precise GPS coordinates.
Chrome introduces approximate location controls
The new toggle allows Chrome to access precise location information at the operating system level but prevents it from passing that exact data to websites. Instead, the browser will only share an estimated location when a site requests access.
This approach brings Chrome closer to Android’s existing app-level location model, which already gives users a choice between sharing precise or approximate location data. By extending this level of control to the browser, Google aims to offer a more consistent and privacy-focused experience across the platform.
According to reports from Android Authority, the feature is already live for some users as part of the ongoing test phase. It marks a notable change in how websites receive location information, shifting away from automatic, full-accuracy access.
Why the change matters for user privacy
The introduction of approximate location sharing represents a significant step towards improving online privacy. In the current system, websites that request location access often receive highly accurate GPS data, even when this level of detail is not necessary for their services.
With the new feature, Chrome reduces exposure of sensitive information while still supporting essential functionality such as weather updates, local news, or basic map previews. The browser gives users a more nuanced choice between revealing their exact location and turning off location access entirely.
This middle ground can also lessen the sense of pressure around permissions. By offering a safer, more controlled option, Chrome may encourage more people to keep location access enabled without feeling they are compromising their privacy.
What comes next for Chrome and the wider web
If testing continues successfully, Google is expected to roll out approximate location sharing more broadly across Android devices. It may eventually become the default behaviour for Chrome, fundamentally changing how mobile websites handle location data.
The move could also influence other browser makers, setting a new standard where approximate location becomes the norm on mobile. Web developers may need to adjust their designs and services to accommodate two levels of accuracy, ensuring sites function smoothly whether users opt for precise or approximate data.
The shift signals a broader trend toward giving users more transparent, manageable privacy options, bringing web browsing closer to the controls already available in native apps.
