Notifications are one of the most controversial topics in modern technology. When used correctly, they make our lives easier and keep us instantly informed of important developments, but when they increase uncontrollably, they can become a distraction. The incessant influx of notifications, especially from websites, eventually leads to what’s known as “notification fatigue.” Recognizing this problem, Google has taken a significant step to help Chrome users regain control.

Chrome is waging war on unnecessary notifications

With a new feature in its Chrome browser, Google will now automatically revoke notification permissions for websites users haven’t visited or interacted with in a while. This will automatically block unnecessary notifications from sites you once allowed but no longer care about. This system is designed to be available on both the desktop and Android Chrome browsers.

However, this isn’t the first time Google has taken a step toward permission management. Since Android 11, a similar system has automatically revoked sensitive permissions, such as camera and location, from apps that haven’t been used for extended periods for security reasons. Chrome previously used the “Safety Checkup” feature to revoke camera, microphone, and location access for rarely visited sites. Now, this automatic revocation mechanism has been expanded to include notification permissions.

The new system prioritizes user experience. Chrome will notify users when it automatically revokes a site’s notification permissions. This will prevent you from encountering any unexpected issues. If you believe the browser made a mistake, you can easily re-enable notifications for that site at any time. Furthermore, users who prefer not to use this feature have the option to disable it completely in the settings.

This new feature offers a practical solution for users who have granted notification permissions to dozens of different sites but struggle to keep track of these permissions over time. So, are you complaining about unnecessary notifications from websites? What are your thoughts on this new move from Google Chrome? Share your thoughts in the comments.