Chrome on Android incognito mode could soon be locked for extra privacy

Private navigation or incognito mode is one of the most basic privacy mechanisms offer today. Although sometimes confounded for the protection of total privacy, the incognito mode simply stands not to leave traces on the browser itself. This protection, however, is almost useless if someone else already holds your phone and that the browser is open. That’s why Google is working on a recidivation mechanism for incognito mode that comes soon to Android.

Physical access to a device almost always performs security features discussed, especially when the phone is already unlocked. Incognito mode is also useless when the tabs are already open in the background and all it takes is for the unauthorized user to move on to see what you have traveled secretly. Another lock for incognito mode adds another safety layer, assuming that you have enabled the spindle or biometric authentication on your phone.

Chrome Story reports a new Chrome flag for the version of the Android development canary that adds exactly that. Once the indicator has been enabled and Chrome has been restarted, a new parameter in the browser privacy and security settings will allow you to change recidence or disable. If enabled, you will need to enter your PIN of your phone or use the unlocking of the face or your fingerprint to access the Incognito tabs.

Google has actually introduced this experience to Chrome for iOS. When you navigate from these incognito tabs for any reason, you will need to react to your phone to see them again. You will first need to press the button, however, so it will not be as automatic as unlocking your phone.

This IOS implementation is not yet available for the general public and its Android counterpart could always be far away at this point. In the meantime, users should remember that private navigation mode is not bullets, and websites, carriers and even Google can always notice your activity.