Google is planning to actively block Flash content in its Chrome browser later this year.
Chrome is currently the most popular web browser in the world, so any decisions it makes with regard to support have major ramifications.
The company has confirmed that it plans to push HTML5 even harder as the default standard in Chrome, with only limited Flash support. Google calls its new proposal (via VentureBeat) ‘HTML5 by Default’.
From Q4 of 2016, Flash will only serve as the default for the top ten domains that still rely on it. Google calls this a “whitelist,” and this list will expire after a year.
Otherwise, from that point on, Chrome will display HTML5 if it’s available. If it’s not available, the user will be asked if Flash can be used – though this selection will be remembered for each website.
This isn’t a sudden move on Google’s part. The company has cut the Flash standard’s negative effects on web performance and security in a number of ways over recent years. In particular, Chrome now pauses non-essential Flash content (like ads) to save battery life and protect against malware.
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Google’s not the only one to take such a step either. Both Microsoft Edge and Firefox also do the same thing.
However, this latest move from Google attacks core Flash content, like games and videos.
Next, take a look at how to boost your Wi-Fi signal:
Are you happy to see another restriction placed against Flash, or has Google gone too far? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
