TIL Chrome is scanning your files, including private folders, in the background as an anti-malware measure
https://twitter.com/swagitda_/status/979477998142476289
There’s currently no “off” switch, but apparently the devs reassure that scans are local and not “cloud” based. But this still has consent and privacy implications
@RussSharek So far, this is the most detail I’ve been able to find that’s verifiable. Straight from the horse’s mouth:
https://www.blog.google/products/chrome/cleaner-safer-web-chrome-cleanup
Apparently, they’ve partnered with AV company ESET and incorporated scanning for malware into Chrome
There’s an awful lot of speculation floating about this already so I’d avoid any other sources until a trusted security researcher can shed more light on this
@cypnk @RussSharek by "scanning for malware" I think they mean "malware that scans for competitor malware"
I mean what wouldn't Alphabet want with the contents of billions of users' drives?
I wonder when they'll start detecting other browsers as "malware" for not including this "feature"
@io @cypnk
You know things are scary when you read the date and hope for a hoax.