Google changes plans to replace third-party cookies

The Financial Times reports Google is not moving forward with technology planned to replace third-party cookies, known as Federated Learning of Cohorts, following feedback from the advertising industry. The company cited privacy concerns around FLoC, while Chrome Privacy Sandbox Product Director Vinay Goel said a replacement method, Topics, described as “a new Privacy Sandbox proposal for interest-based advertising,” addresses concerns without further delay. Based on users’ browsing history, Topics would identify topics representing users’ top interests and certain topics would be shared with participating sites and advertising partners.