March 12, 2026, 7:28 am | Read time: 2 minutes
A new Chrome option aims to better protect users from online attacks. However, this feature could also bring new problems and cause restrictions on some websites.
The new setting is designed to work in the so-called Advanced Protection Mode, which bundles particularly strict security features. These are intended to protect users from online attacks, dangerous apps, and potential risks to personal data. At the same time, the change could also lead to slower loading times for some websites. According to a report from “Android Authority,” Google is now testing an additional protective measure in this mode.
New Security Feature Under Test
The option is set to automatically disable WebGPU in Chrome. WebGPU is a technology that allows websites to directly access a device’s graphics processors, enabling much faster rendering of complex graphics content. However, WebGPU can also pose security risks. If there are vulnerabilities, websites could exploit them. In some cases, attackers have already managed to execute foreign code remotely on affected devices. For users, this could also have drawbacks. When WebGPU is disabled, content rendering on some websites may take longer. Thus, the new option could become problematic due to slower loading times on certain websites.
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Release Still Pending
The hints about the new feature come from the Google Play Services version 26.10.31. According to the report, the option is described in the settings with the following note: “Turn off WebGPU to protect against potential security risks.” The information was discovered through an APK analysis, which involves examining app files to find signs of new features. However, such findings do not automatically mean that the feature will be released later.
It is currently unclear whether Google will ultimately introduce this change for all users. The potential impact on website speed is also still uncertain. If the feature is released, users will have to decide whether to use the additional protection or opt for maximum performance.