Following the last update to Google Chrome, signing in to any Google service will also sign the user in to the browser.  In my last post, I explained why I oppose that change.  Many others appear have similar thoughts, and Google announced today that the next Chrome update will return the option to remain signed out of the browser regardless of whether the user is signed in to a Google service.

Matthew Green, a prominent cryptographer who teaches at Johns Hopkins University, told CNBC today that while he applauds Google’s announcement, he will not be returning to Chrome.  I agree.  Signing in to a browser should be optional, regardless of what the user is doing on the Internet.  While Google’s reversal is a good decision for user privacy, I doubt it would have happened without the negative public reactions from notable tech experts like Green.  Also, Google will not be completely reversing the change but rather adding a setting which will permit separating browser-based and web-based sign-in.  I expect that many users will never notice that option.

I must agree with Green’s sentiment that “Trust is not a renewable resource.”  Google has shown an increasing willingness to erode user privacy and increase censorship, and until the company proves that it is trustworthy, its claims should be considered suspect.