Privacy outrage after Google users discover Chrome's built-in anti-virus tool is scanning private

Daily Mail Co. UK ^ | 12:55 EDT, 4 April 2018 | Tim Collins

[Texas Fossil]

• The discovery was made by New York cybersecurity expert Kelly Shortridge
• She noticed the browser tool was scanning files in a folder on her Windows PC
• Ms Shortridge shared her worries that it was gathering data on social media 
• Google's head of security for Chrome responded that this is not the case

  Google users are sharing their shock at discovering Chrome's built-in anti-virus tool is scanning private files on their computers.

  Chrome Cleanup Tool, a browser component added in 2014 to scan and remove malicious or resource heavy software, is behind the outcry.

[Donkey Odious]

Hello, my Google overlords!! (Sent from my Chromebook....)

[PAR35]

Anti-virus programs tend not to read your document files. They used to just scan downloads. Then they modified the tool to pry into your private files.

And, I’m happy enough with my current antivirus. I don’t need a third party nosing around my computer (although AOL asks to on a regular basis).

[madison10]

Why do not have Chrome on anything.

[Texas Fossil]

I don’t and I minimize Google. Unfortunately they own Verizon the only local cell phone carries.

I tell them the minimum and don’t use any of their “services”.

They nag me to death with their apps and updates.

I have been running some version of Linux since 1994. Almost never boot a windows computer on my home network. My wife’s machine is Windows based.

[Texas Fossil]

Yes, their intent is clear if you look honestly at it.

[Texas Fossil]

Yes, I avoid it too.

[Texas Fossil]

Yes, that is exactly the point of the article.

Not really surprised, but am surprised it took this long to become public info.

[Texas Fossil]

Yes, but does your browser copy and phone home all your URL history and send them all the file names and usage on your computer?

[thoughtomator]

Google Chrome is not an AV scanner.

What people are upset about is that that info about what is on their hard drives is almost certainly being passed onto Google... AND anyone they sell that info to.

[Texas Fossil]

I ran Scroogle until they quit offering it.

[Texas Fossil]

Don’t know about the symbolism. Their actions show who they support.

[Texas Fossil]

“God bless President Trump”

Yes, indeed.

[unixfox]

Why are they surprised it’s looking for virii?

If that was all it was doing then it would be fine. But if you believe that's all it's doing then I have a bridge to sell ya.

[Texas Fossil]

It is my default on cell phone and on P/C’s. For many years.

[Texas Fossil]

I do the same. That decision limits use of some things that require GPS locations, but that is a decision I made and still hold too.

[demsux]

GOv OGLE

[Texas Fossil]

Well, you often have no choice with user agreements. But the extent of the privacy violations are huge. You are correct, almost nobody reads them, if you do they are written in lawyer speak. Nobody but copyright lawyers understands.

[Carriage Hill]

Chrome is now uninstalled as a back-up browser from my machines. Opera is still my main browser.

[raybbr]

I didn’t read where it was gathering personal information. The complaint was that it was scanning files. I would bet that no one has read the license agreement.

[Carriage Hill]

+1.