Google Chrome Prepares Major Privacy Update with New ‘Incognito Tracking Protections’ Page
Google Chrome is gearing up to launch a significant privacy enhancement through a newly designed “Incognito tracking protections” page. This update aims to provide users with greater transparency and control over their private browsing data.
Spotted by user “Leopeva64” in the latest Chrome Canary build, the update consolidates key privacy settings into a single, streamlined section. Located under Chrome’s “Privacy and security” settings, the new page offers users a simplified way to manage privacy tools while in Incognito mode.
The “Incognito tracking protections” page outlines the core functions of private browsing, clarifying that Chrome does not save browsing history, cookies, site data, or information entered into forms.
According to Leopeva64, two previously separate features — “Hide your IP address” and “Limit digital fingerprinting” — have now been integrated into this page with updated names and expanded descriptions:
“The ‘Hide your IP address’ and ‘Limit digital fingerprinting’ options have already been moved to the new ‘Incognito tracking protections’ page (they are now called ‘Protect your IP address’ and ‘Block tracking scripts’ and have more detailed descriptions).”
— @Leopeva64 on April 22, 2025
Key Privacy Features:
Protect Your IP Address
Formerly known as “Hide your IP address,” this feature helps mask your IP from third-party content like ads and embedded elements by routing traffic through Google’s privacy servers. While Google can see your IP address, it cannot access your browsing destinations. Currently, this feature is available only when Incognito mode is opened from a signed-in Chrome account.
Block Tracking Scripts
Previously labeled “Limit digital fingerprinting,” this setting now appears as “Block tracking scripts.” It works to restrict access to device-specific data such as fonts and time zones, making it harder for sites to generate a unique fingerprint for tracking purposes.
Block Third-Party Cookies
The new page also includes an option to block third-party cookies while browsing in Incognito mode. Although this toggle is currently disabled in Chrome Canary, it reflects Chrome’s ongoing commitment to limiting cross-site tracking.
Each feature on the updated “Incognito tracking protections” page includes clear explanations and a “Things to consider” section, helping users understand how the protections work. For instance, users are informed that these safeguards apply only to embedded third-party content—not the primary website they’re visiting.
Chrome also includes important notes about feature availability. For example, the IP address protection feature requires users to be signed into Chrome, and there are transparent explanations about how Google’s privacy servers handle user data.
These updates underscore Google’s continued commitment to strengthening user privacy and enhancing transparency—both in response to user expectations and regulatory pressure. By centralizing these advanced privacy tools into a single, easy-to-navigate page, Chrome empowers users to better understand and control how their information is protected during Incognito browsing.
Currently in testing via Chrome Canary, these features are expected to roll out more broadly following further development and user feedback.
