New Vivaldi browser 4.3 disables the controversial Idle Detection API of Google Chrome by default

Vivaldi has updated its browser to Vivaldi 4.3, which, along with a host of features, has disabled the controversial Idle Detection API of Google Chrome by default.

Priding on being one of the only browsers to offer a completely privacy-free browser, Vivaldi has disabled the controversial Idle Detection API by default in its latest browser version Vivaldi 4.3. This Google feature has been considered a privacy-invasive one.

Since this API can be abused for behavioural tracking, Vivaldi thinks it is unfair for users to be expected to understand the privacy implications of allowing a website to use it

Vivaldi has also added new privacy-friendly options to Vivaldi Mail and Calendar (Beta).

Google introduced the Idle Detection API feature recently, which can apparently be used by sites to find out if a user has not interacted with the device or specific hardware, such as the keyboard or the mouse, or through certain system events.

The API has the potential to be used for behavioural tracking, something that Vivaldi stands against.

Unlike Chrome, Vivaldi does not let the website even ask; their requests are denied by default

“Since this API can be abused for behavioural tracking, Vivaldi thinks it is unfair for users to be expected to understand the privacy implications of allowing a website to use it. Therefore, this setting has been disabled by default on both desktop and Android,” A Vivaldi release said.

“Unlike Chrome, Vivaldi does not let the website even ask; their requests are denied by default. However, the setting can be overridden, if desired,” it added.

A Host of New Features

Vivaldi 4.3 is ready for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Vivaldi on Android update also launches today, including a new Tab Stack Toolbar, added language support to Translate, and a revamped Sync.

The browser’s built-in Vivaldi Translate, powered by Lingvanex, now boasts of 68 new languages, making the total number of languages to 108. Another much-requested feature, support for Progressive Web Apps (PWA) has also been added.

Its Capture feature has been refreshed to allow resizing of screenshot images. Also, a visually superior Download Panel now aids in tracking the speed of downloads promptly.

Users can also access their data across computers and Android devices by using their Vivaldi account more securely with the new improved Sync functionality.

Through interacting with our users, we realise that people want to break away from plain vanilla browsing. Hence, every feature in Vivaldi has been designed keeping privacy, convenience, and efficiency in mind

“Through interacting with our users, we realise that people want to break away from plain vanilla browsing. Hence, every feature in Vivaldi has been designed keeping privacy, convenience, and efficiency in mind,” Vivaldi CEO, Jon von Tetzchner, said in a statement.

“Vivaldi is a culmination of what our users want and with every update, we aim to refine every aspect of it,” he added.

European software development company known for the creation of the Vivaldi browser, Vivaldi Technologies, launched Vivaldi 4.0 operable on Windows, Mac, Linux computers, and Android devices in June 2021.

Navanwita Bora Sachdev

Navanwita is the editor of The Tech Panda who also frequently publishes stories in news outlets such as The Indian Express, Entrepreneur India, and The Business Standard