Google cutting access to its API's

[GreyGeek]

https://9to5google.com/2021/01/15/ch...ync-bookmarks/

I suspect not to keep people out as much as to keep them in Google's "Garden" by making certain Chromium API features only available via pristine Chromium.


ZDNet had an article, from two years ago, listing the browsers based on Chromium: https://www.zdnet.com/pictures... [zdnet.com] "While initially we thought we'd find 15-20 browsers, the number of Chromium-based browsers was far larger than we expected."

There are "some" browsers NOT based on Chromium, but the pickings are slime.

https://www.slant.co/topics/23... [slant.co]

[oldgeek]

I used to use Chromium at times, but have dropped it in favor of Firefox, Waterfox and PaleMoon. I also have Brave installed, about the only Chromium-based browser I like. Why so many? Because I have the space. And because I switch browsers to avoid the upper limits on reading some local newspaper articles online.

[chimak111]

... making certain Chromium API features only available via pristine Chromium.
...

Looks like even Chromium will be affected:

Hi Chromium Developer,

We are writing to let you know that starting March 15, 2021, end users of Chromium and Chromium OS derivatives using google_default_client_id and google_default_client_secret on their build configuration will no longer be able to sign into their Google Accounts.

See this for more.

Also: https://groups.google.com/a/chromium...jnsP4pWM?pli=1

[GreyGeek]

Your second link says it all.
Google has their "policies", I have mine. Mine is to cancel all my Google accounts (gmail, Drive, YouTube, etc) and add all of Google's IP addresses (primary, analytical, etc) to my hosts file, where they will be sent to 127.0.0.1 Google can join Facebook Twitter and all the other "social" websites I sent to the infinite bit bucket.

[TWPonKubuntu]

GG, Hear, Hear!

[chimak111]

It'll be interesting to see how various distros react.

[MoonRise]

Wonder how much of that is dictated by the ties MS and Google now have since MS Edge is now based on Google Chrome.

[chimak111]

Fedora: https://bodhi.fedoraproject.org/upda...021-48866282e5

[chimak111]

Wonder how much of that is dictated by the ties MS and Google now have since MS Edge is now based on Google Chrome.

From what I understand, all chromium-derived browsers, including chromium itself and MS Edge, will be affected. Whether Google's "ban" can be circumvented is another matter. But, given the close collaboration between MAGAFT, payment gateways, hosting services, etc, such attempts wouldn't have much of a life.

Apparently, the "safe browsing" feature will be unaffected and available to third parties.

Re. MS Edge:

... Microsoft reportedly removed more than 50 Google-specific services from Chromium as used in Edge, including data sync, safe browsing, maps geolocation, the Google Drive API, and more. ...

Source: near the bottom of https://www.theregister.com/2021/01/...um_maintainer/

[Bings]

What would be the point of using Chromium and signing in to a load of google services, doesn't that negate most of the reason for using it over chrome?

[dequire]

What would be the point of using Chromium and signing in to a load of google services, doesn't that negate most of the reason for using it over chrome?

Fair question. I suspect that most users, even linux users, have not been able to completely de-Google their computing lives.

[TWPonKubuntu]

Fair question. I suspect that most users, even linux users, have not been able to completely de-Google their computing lives.

Much as I advocate for and practice de-Googling, it is indeed difficult to browse the 'net without running into Google scripts and tools. My script blockers catch them and (most of the time) I can simply avoid the offending website... Most of the time...

Sadly, many of the online news sites are still refusing to "see the light" and look for safer alternatives. It looks much like an addiction, similar to tobacco use. Site developers (I are one proudly) are too easily swayed by the shiny, flashing toys: "Hey little kid, want to try one of these? First one is free".

A good mantra for Devs: "Just Say No". But demands for faster, prettier and easier tools still draw developers AND users. Ask anyone in the three step programs for Google withdrawal... Call for help Before falling back and waking up in that gutter again.Have a Buddy system in case you find yourself being pushed to take the "easy route".

This forum is one form of "help" for recovering Googlers. But remain ever vigilant for those who try to defend their addiction and draw others into their fold. Put a Red Flag on them, at least mentally, and don't engage.

If you are an employee and your employer only wants to see results, consider going free-lance. It may be a painful first step, but you'll feel better about yourself, down the road. Do it "cold turkey" if you can afford the time/cost to "cut the cord".

Am I evangelizing? (HEAL!, RISE AND WALK PROUDLY AGAIN!)

Probably I am. But look at the stakes to play the Dev game the Google way and the costs in terms of your future income. We can be better than that.

I've not really addressed the Google problem from the end user viewpoint. I could go on, but the end user is my (your) future customer and I'll save that rant for another thread. Be nice to your end users, they decide your success or failure as a Dev.
[rant off]

[claydoh]

I too don't see the big deal with non-Chrome browsers being cut off from .....bookmarks and syncing.
Fewer connections to google services is a good thing, correct?
The downside is that the chromium derivatives would need to create this functionality themselves, if they want to offer this.

I am sure this will be created fairly quickly, and probably can be adopted by all the Chromium based browsers and all the re-spins.

[chimak111]

Certain choices were available to chromium users for several years and now, come the Ides of March, these will be yanked.

(I use Chrome for specific tasks and for nothing else.)

[Beerislife]

I was wondering how this would affect Neverware CloudReady but since Google now owns Neverware I think it might be spared. Perhaps one day I'll boot my CloudReady based ThinkPad and find the blue Chromium logo has turned to Chrome colours! ��