Ask HN: Does Chrome share my history with my employer?
My company use Google Workspace. On chrome://settings/ a line on top tells me that my browser is "managed" by my company. Following some links and:
> If your Chrome browser is managed, your administrator can [...] install extensions, monitor activity [0]
What the hell do they mean by "activity" ?
I'm also confused by the fact they can install extensions after reading this recent scary HN discussion [1], but perhaps the interface clearly show the users what extensions will be installed ?
0 https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/9281740
1 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34889243
We can view all the activity on all of your work devices, including Chrome. The number of embarrassing personal things I see collected when I'm not even trying to look is astronomical. I have Python scripts that pull all your data, perform automated searches for interesting data, and pretty prints it, to make it easier to sift through.
Fortunately for you, I keep my mouth shut about what I see and don't gossip. I seem to be in the minority.
Don't use work equipment for personal purposes. Ever.
That's it. That's your answer. It's 2023. I'm surprised people are still surprised.
Always assume your employer can view all activity on _their_ devices on which you work.
Personally I have no issue with this as I use their equipment/infrastructure to do my job and have zero expectation of privacy.
Always assume that any Internet activity on company owned devices or software can be monitored by the company.
> I'm also confused by the fact they can install extensions after reading this recent scary HN discussion [1], but perhaps the interface clearly show the users what extensions will be installed ?
That HN discussion isn't really relevant in my opinion, you can see what extensions are installed, yes.
> Does Chrome share my history with my employer?
Sure.