July 26, 2023
Google has proposed a new way to determine whether browsers can be trusted, as a defense against criminal fraud and other bad behavior. The proposal, dubbed Web Environment Integrity (WEI), has been met with criticism from some in the internet community who fear it could be used to restrict the open web.
The critics worry that WEI could be used to restrict the use of ad blockers or other privacy-focused extensions. They add that it could create a two-tiered web, where only those who use approved browsers are able to access certain content, and that it can be used to track users’ browsing activity as well as censor content.
Mozilla, the maker of the Firefox browser, has expressed opposition to WEI, saying that it “contradicts our principles and vision for the Web.” Mozilla argues that WEI could be used to “create a two-tiered web, where only those who use approved browsers are able to access certain content.”
Google has defended WEI, saying that it is “designed to protect users and publishers from abuse.” The company says that WEI will not be used to restrict the use of ad blockers or other privacy-focused extensions.
The sources for this piece include an article in TheRegister.
