Google pushes to get web apps to be able to get parity with native apps (auto-away in XMPP clients circa 15 years ago?). This will inevitably lead to more security and privacy issues. Google has to do it though as they work they way to get Microsoft down to a role of web browser host where Google owns the web - you don't need native app any more if you can just use stuff in your browser the same way. So expect more stuff like this...
this post was submitted on 22 Sep 2021
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Lead Tantek Çelik commented on GitHub, saying:
As it is currently specified, I consider the Idle Detection API too tempting of an opportunity for surveillance capitalism motivated websites to invade an aspect of the user’s physical privacy, keep longterm records of physical user behaviors, discerning daily rhythms (e.g. lunchtime), and using that for proactive psychological manipulation (e.g. hunger, emotion, choice)…
Thus I propose labeling this API harmful, and encourage further incubation, perhaps reconsidering simpler, less-invasive alternative approaches to solve the motivating use-cases.
Fighting the good fight.
Yeah this new feature looks ripe for abuse
I believe that Chromebooks probably already do this?
chrome://settings/content/idleDetection in the adress bar, desactivate it and done (all Cromium browser)