Google, Please Borrow This New Microsoft Edge Location Sharing Feature for Chrome

Location sharing is a crucial aspect for apps and websites to offer a range of services and display local content based on user queries. For instance, when browsing a Google website, location access redirects users to the appropriate country-specific website automatically. However, location sharing is not as simple as it appears, with advertisers and marketing companies relying on this data to offer curated ads and recommendations based on users’ data.

### Enhanced Location Permissions in Microsoft Edge

Until recently, web browsers on PCs had only two options for location permission: on or off. Once users granted location permission to a website, it remained active unless manually revoked. However, Microsoft Edge has introduced a new “Just This Time” option for location permission pop-ups, allowing users to grant one-time access that gets disabled once the tab is closed. The browser prompts users again if they revisit the website or access the service.

### Comparative Advantage and Market Impact

While iPhones and Android phones have this feature baked into their settings, PCs have lagged behind in providing intuitive permission control centers. Apple Safari offers a similar feature, but it allows location access for a day rather than just one-time access, as seen in Edge. This difference makes Edge’s implementation more user-friendly and privacy-centric.

Given that Google Chrome is the world’s most used web browser, incorporating a “Just This Time” option for location permissions would make significant sense. This feature would not only enhance privacy but also provide users with more control over their location data while browsing.

### Conclusion

As privacy concerns grow and users seek more control over their data, adopting features like Microsoft’s “Just This Time” location permission in Google Chrome could set a new standard for web browsers. With Microsoft Edge leading the way, it’s time for Google Chrome to consider borrowing this feature for the benefit of its vast user base.