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Google Introduces New Privacy Sandbox Approach That Prioritizes User Choice

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Google has announced that it will not be phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome, as previously planned. The company will instead prioritize user control over their browsing data through a new system within Chrome.

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The Google-led Privacy Sandbox initiative is evolving, with a focus on giving users greater control over their online privacy. A forthcoming Chrome experience will allow individuals to make informed choices about their data, applicable across their browsing activities, and adaptable to their changing needs. This shift aims to strike a balance between maintaining an ad-supported internet and enhancing online privacy.

Anthony Chavez, VP, Privacy Sandbox, shared via a blog post: “We developed the Privacy Sandbox to create innovative solutions that enhance online privacy while sustaining the ad-supported internet. Feedback from stakeholders has shaped our solutions. Now, we’re introducing a new Chrome experience, empowering users to make informed choices about their privacy across the web.”

The Privacy Sandbox is an ongoing effort led by Google to develop new web technologies that protect people’s privacy online while also providing companies and developers with the tools to build thriving digital businesses. This is crucial as third-party cookies, traditionally used for tracking and targeting users across the web, face increasing scrutiny and restrictions due to privacy concerns. Today’s announcement underscores Google’s commitment to providing users with greater transparency and control over their data while ensuring the sustainability of the online advertising ecosystem.

This evolution in the Privacy Sandbox is particularly relevant to Africa, where the digital economy is rapidly growing and concerns about data privacy are on the rise. By putting users in control of their privacy choices, Google aims to foster a more trusted and secure online environment for everyone, including the millions of Africans who rely on the internet for information, communication, and economic opportunities.

Early testing by ad tech companies, including Google, has shown that the Privacy Sandbox APIs have the potential to achieve these outcomes. As industry adoption increases, overall performance using Privacy Sandbox APIs is expected to improve over time. However, Google recognizes that this transition requires significant work by many participants and will have an impact on publishers, advertisers, and everyone involved in online advertising.

In light of this, Google is proposing an updated approach that elevates user choice. Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, a new experience will be introduced in Chrome, allowing users to make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing. Users will be able to adjust this choice at any time. Google is currently discussing this new path with regulators and will engage with the industry as it rolls out this initiative.

As this approach moves forward, it remains crucial for developers to have privacy-preserving alternatives. Google will continue to make the Privacy Sandbox APIs available and will invest in them to further improve privacy and utility. Additionally, Google plans to introduce IP Protection into Chrome’s Incognito mode, offering additional privacy controls.

Chavez concluded “We will continue to collaborate with the broader ecosystem and consult with regulators globally as it finalises its approach and embarks on the next phase of building a more private web”.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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 Telecoms Services Resume in Kogi State as Telcos, Govt Resolve Dispute

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 Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON,
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Telecommunications services disrupted in Kogi State have resumed following a resolution of the dispute between MTN Nigeria and the state government, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said.

 Telecoms Services Resume in Kogi State as Telcos, Govt Resolve Dispute

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, told TVC News that the issues that led to the shutdown of telecom masts in the state, primarily affecting MTN, had been addressed, paving the way for service restoration.

TVC News earlier reported that businessmen and women were counting their losses as they suffered the impact of a shut down of telecommunication service in Kogi State

Over the past two weeks, telecoms connectivity had been erratic, with competing brands experiencing glitches, particularly in the Lokoja metropolis.

The State government suspended the operations of some telecom services citing unpaid taxes and fibre-related dues.

The shutdown stemmed from a compliance dispute between MTN and the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, which accused the telecom giant of violating operational rules and under-declaring the extent of its optic fibre network coverage in the state.

 


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Banks Settle ₦160Bn USSD Debt to Telcos, Ending Five-Year Dispute

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The protracted Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) debt misunderstanding between the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and telecommunications operators appears to have been resolved.

This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, Thursday, March 1, when he appeared on Arise TV to speak on the firm’s first-quarter 2025 result, where the telecommunications company reported over N1 trillion in revenue earnings.

Recall that the USSD debt had been a major issue between the DMBs and telcos and had lasted for about five years.

In the third quarter of 2024, the telcos had threatened to withdraw their service over the lingering debt, which was around N200 billion at the time. This led to the swift intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and an agreement was reached on payment.

As of November 2024, the NCC put the debt at N160 billion. However, earlier this year, when it appeared the banks were not forthcoming with payments, the NCC directed the telcos to withdraw the USSD services from debt-owning DMBs, where about 18 banks were listed.

This directive prompted the banks to look inward and start to comply with an earlier circular signed by the CBN and NCC, which articulated the payment patterns for the debt.

Speaking, on Arise TV this morning, May 1, Toriola confirmed that the matter has been fully resolved and that banks have made payments.

“I can confirm that the matter has been fully resolved. We have received payments in full. Special thanks to the CBN, NCC, the banks, and other stakeholders that intervened in the matter,” the MTN CEO stated.


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Sterling Bank Introduces AlwaysOn, Offering Nigerians Up to ₦1 Million Monthly

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Sterling Bank, Leading commercial bank and Africa’s most agile company has announced the introduction of AlwaysOn by Sterling, a bold new feature on its OneBank platform that will give eligible customers up to ₦1 million extra every month -even when their account balances are running low.

Launched on Workers’ Day 2025, the initiative is part of an ongoing movement to remove structural barriers to financial freedom and empower everyday Nigerians to move boldly, even in uncertain times.

AlwaysOn is a specialised, invitation-only feature for customers who maintain an active OneBank account for a while. It provides an advance to settle bills or make payments without delays, or any of the friction associated with traditional credit systems.

“This is not just about funds,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank. “It’s about freedom and dignity. It’s about backing our customers with the trust and tools to act boldly when life demands it.”

Suleiman emphasised that the new feature is not a product, it’s a logical shift in how the bank supports its customers.

“We’re building a financial ecosystem designed for momentum -for people with grit, urgency, and dreams too big to wait. If you’ve banked with us, you’ve earned our confidence. Now you’ll have our backing to match,” added Suleiman.

The introduction of AlwaysOn marks the next chapter in Sterling’s growing movement to create a fairer and more responsive financial system. It follows the Zero Transfer Fees initiative in April, which returned an estimated ₦13 billion to Nigerians by eliminating transfer charges across the OneBank platform. It also builds on Sterling’s Free Bus Ride initiative, which helped commuters get home from work for free during a time of intense economic pressure.

Together, these efforts reflect the bank’s bold, people-first approach to customer impact, now made possible by its adoption of SeaBaas, Nigeria’s first indigenous core banking platform.

“We’re not the kind of bank that stands on the sidelines while Nigerians hustle,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Retail and Consumer Banking. “We removed the fees that slowed them down. Now we’re giving Nigerians the financial freedom to seize opportunity when it shows up. We’re on the pitch with them.”

Sterling’s actions have sparked widespread public support and national recognition as they have continued to push the boundaries of what corporate citizenship can mean to everyday Nigerians.

Notable icons from various fields have canvassed their support and praised the bank’s stance in redefining financial services, inspiring other institutions to follow suit.

Nigerians are encouraged to apply to join the waitlist for the scheme when it goes live in later this month and ultimately, eligibility for up to N1M extra in relief advances.


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