Google will end support for Chrome sync for all users still using Google Chrome 48 and older versions after Chrome 96 reaches the stable channel.
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When enabled, Chrome sync preserves users' bookmarks, passwords, history, open tabs, settings, preferences, and in some cases, Google Pay payment information. It also automatically connects them to Gmail, YouTube, Search, and other Google services.
The move was previously announced on the company's corporate blog, with the release notes for Chrome 94 published last month, on October 19.
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They are forced to upgrade for their own safety
Those who want to continue using Chrome sync should update their web browsers to Chrome version 49 or later by opening Chrome, clicking the “More” menu in the upper-right side of the window, and then clicking “Update Google Chrome.” The update will take effect after Chrome is restarted.
While Google says that updating to Chrome 49 will be enough to ensure that Chrome sync still works, the update likely means that most users will switch to the latest available version in the update channel, which comes with the latest security updates.
Currently, Google Chrome holds 64.67% of the global desktop browser market share and 67.17% on the desktop, according to data from StatCounter.
W3Schools statistics also show that most users are running Chrome 94 and 95, with versions older than Chrome 85.
Even so, considering Google's dominance in the browser market, this could mean that a significant number of customers are exposed to attacks because they use vulnerable versions of Chrome.
See also: Malicious Chrome ad blocker inserts ads in the background
Chrome sync support for third-party Chromium browsers has been blocked
The option of moving to third-party Chromium web browsers that may still support Chrome sync is off the table.
Google announced in January that it would block them from using private Google APIs (including Chrome sync) after discovering that they were embedding them even though they were intended to be used only for Chrome.
Those who have used Chrome sync in the past with other Chromium browsers can still manage their data by going to the My Google Activity page, downloading it from the Google Takeout page, and/or deleting it by going here.
Information source: bleepingcomputer.com
