Microsoft is in the process of eliminating the option to follow content creators directly within its Microsoft Edge browser, a feature that has raised privacy concerns among users. The decision comes after evidence was found in the latest Edge Canary and Dev builds indicating the imminent removal of this feature. This move – found by Leopeva64 – highlights Microsoft’s response to privacy issues, particularly after it was discovered that enabling the feature resulted in the transmission of users’ website visits directly to Bing.
Privacy Concerns Prompt Feature Removal
Last year, a report by The Verge revealed that the follow creator feature in the Edge browser was sending every visited website to Bing, raising significant privacy concerns. This feature, initially intended to enhance user engagement by allowing them to follow their favorite content creators directly from the Collections pane, was found to compromise user privacy. In response, Microsoft has decided to phase out this capability.
https://twitter.com/Leopeva64/status/1789860497652670975
Current State of the Feature
Users of Microsoft Edge can still access the browser settings under the Privacy, search, and services page, where the toggle for following content creators remains visible. However, activating this toggle no longer reinstates the follow feature. Additionally, the “Learn more” button in the Collections and Follow pop-up directs users to a Microsoft support page that explains how the Collections feature operates, without mentioning the discontinued follow option.
Comparison with Google Chrome
Unlike Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome continues to offer a similar feature for mobile users on Android devices. This is accessible by enabling the “web-feed” flag, allowing users to follow content creators directly through the browser.
This development may influence user preferences and the competitive dynamics between major browsers, particularly as privacy becomes a central concern for many users. Microsoft’s decision to remove a feature due to privacy issues could set a precedent for how other companies address similar challenges in the future.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 8:28 pm CET
