Google Delays Deprecation of Third-Party Cookies Amid U.K. Regulatory Scrutiny

Google extends the timeline for discontinuing third-party cookies in Chrome, citing ongoing discussions with the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to address regulatory concerns over its Privacy Sandbox initiative. The delay, marking the third extension since 2020, allows time for review and feedback from the industry and regulators. However, a draft report from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) highlights gaps in Google's proposed alternatives, raising privacy concerns. Meanwhile, Google announces updates to client-side encrypted Google Meet calls, enabling external participant invitations without Google accounts. As Google navigates regulatory scrutiny and strives to balance industry feedback, the fate of third-party cookies remains uncertain, with implications for online advertising and user privacy. The company emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach to privacy and advertising technology in its browser ecosystem.