Google is testing an experimental Chrome feature that could allow you to bypass CAPTCHAs as you browse the web. Best of all, you can try the feature out for yourself right now, but you’ll need to use a different version of Chrome than the one you’re probably used to.
Sick of CAPTCHAs? Google’s Auto-Verify Feature Could Be the Answer
Everyone hates CAPTCHAs, but roughly 50% of all web traffic is bots, perStatista–some more malicious than others.
Unfortunately, websites need a way to prevent bots from overloading their servers, creating fake accounts, committing fraud, and all kinds of other malicious stuff. This is why we’re so accustomed to seeing annoying CAPTCHA pop-ups when we try to access a website. They’re annoying, butCAPTCHAs are important.
To make matters worse, CAPTCHAs are becoming increasingly common as bot traffic grows. They’re also getting more difficult to pass, but bot technology continues to improve. In fact, the latest studies show modern bots are better at passing CAPTCHA tests than humans, perthe University of California.
Thankfully, Google is taking steps to free us from this CAPTCHA nightmare with an experimental feature for Chrome. The feature is called Auto-verify, and it’s currently only available in the most experimental–and unstable–version of Chrome, called Canary.
How Does Auto-Verify Work?
Auto-verify basically stores info in Chrome saying you’ve passed a CAPTCHA test in the past. Chrome allows websites to access and save this information, thus confirming you’re a human without requiring another test.
Crucially, websites you’re visiting for the first time can also access this information. So, even if you’ve never passed a CAPTCHA with a new website, Chrome can verify that you’re a human and bypass the CAPTCHA prompt.
The feature seems to work well, but it’s difficult to test as it works in the background. As a casual user, you’ll only notice a problem if you see unexpected CAPTCHA prompts.
How to Get Early Access to Auto-Verify
You can gain early access to auto-verify by using Chrome Canary–the most experimental version of the browser. Keep in mind that the feature is still in the early stages of testing and, by using it now, you’re participating in these tests as an active user.
First, you’ll need to downloadChrome Canaryon a desktop. Canary is also available for iOS and Android.
As Google makes very clear, Canary is the most unstable version of Chrome. Practically speaking, this means you’ll run into more crashes than other versions of the browser, and some featuresmay not work as expected. Fortunately, you can normally resolve issues by relaunching the app.
2. Enable Auto-Verify
To enable Auto-verify, click on thethree-dot iconat the top-right of a Canary browser window and selectSettings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Additional content settings > Auto-verify.
On the next screen, click the slider next toAuto-verifyto activate the feature. You may find the feature is already activated by default, so make sure the toggle switch is set to the right and colored blue. If the switch is set to the left position and colored gray, auto-verify is deactivated.
3. Browse the Web Without CAPTCHAs
With auto-verify enabled, all you need to do now is browse the web as normal. If all goes well, you’ll complete one CAPTCHA at some point, and this should be the only test you have to pass.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to fast-track the testing of this feature because you’ll only know it’s not working properly if you see multiple CAPTCHA prompts. All you can really do is make a note when you pass your first test and keep an eye out for any future prompts.
Yes, you could try and force CAPTCHAs byusing a VPN locationwith a poor reputation for bot traffic and repeatedly visiting websites. However, this probably isn’t a fair test. It’s reasonable to expect that auto-verify will allow sites to show CAPTCHA prompts if traffic looks suspicious.
4. Provide Feedback If You Have Any Issues
By enabling auto-verify in Chrome Canary, you’re helping Google test the feature with real users. You can help it get the feature out of the testing phase faster by providing feedback if you run into any issues. For example, if you keep getting hit with CAPTCHAs.
Is Auto-Verify the Answer to Your CAPTCHA Nightmares?
Only time will tell whether auto-verify is the answer to your CAPTCHA nightmares. It sounds like an effective solution, and it appears to perform well in Chrome Canary, but it’s difficult to draw conclusions with a feature that works in the background.
Google hasn’t clarified what “information” websites can save to verify users’ humanity, so this could be a contentious point. It specifies that sites can’t identify you or view your browsing history, but vaguely states that “sites can share a small amount of info as part of the verification”.
Let’s be honest, though, sacrificing a little privacy for the best browser features is all part of the Chrome experience.
