Here's how to stop Google Chrome showing ads based on your browsing history data

Google Chrome has started displaying a large notification to users that some people find concerning. The notification states that the browser will begin displaying ads based on data taken from the user’s browsing history. Nuh-uh, not good at all. 

Practically, Chrome notes topics of interest based on your browsing history from the last few weeks. Later, a site you visit can ask Chrome for your topics to personalize the ads you see. Chrome shares up to 3 topics while protecting your browsing history and identity.

However, the browser auto-deletes topics that are older than 4 weeks. As you keep browsing, a topic might reappear on the list. Or you can block topics you don’t want Chrome to share with sites.

Of course, people are not having it. Many people are concerned about their privacy and don’t want Google to be tracking their browsing history behind their backs even if they aren’t aware of it. 

So, if you want to get rid of this once and for all, you’re in the right article. Here’s how to do that.

How to stop Google Chrome showing ads based on your browsing history

1. Go to the three dots on top of your Chrome screen > Settings. 

2. Click Privacy and security > Ad privacy.

3. Tap on Ad topics, then click on the toggle to turn it off.

If you’re in the market for other browsers, Microsoft Edge is a close competitor but it’s not any better. The browser, which is the default on Windows 11, was recently caught displaying ads to users, encouraging them to switch their default search engine to Bing. This has led to some privacy concerns, as well as frustration from users who don’t even want to use Bing.