Google Chrome Expands Autofill to Include Driver’s Licenses, Passports & Other Details—Is Your Data Safe?

Google Chrome’s autofill feature is getting an upgrade today. The enhanced autofill can now fill in your passport, driver’s license number, vehicle information, and more. Previously, you could use it to enter your passwords, addresses, and payment information.

Moreover, Google says it’s now more accurate overall. It can better understand different formatting requirements and more complex forms.

It’s also available globally in all languages on desktop. However, at this moment, enhanced autofill supports only a limited number of forms and websites. Google will update it in the coming months, though.

To use it, make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account on Chrome. You’ll also have to turn it on first. Here’s how:

1. Open Chrome on your computer.
2. In the top-right corner, select the three-dot menu.
3. Go to Settings > Autofill and passwords.
4. Select Enhanced Autofill, and toggle it on.

Of course, you can add, edit, or delete any info you share with enhanced autofill. You can do so in the Settings:

1. Open Chrome and select the three-dot menu.
2. Go to Settings > Autofill and passwords.
3. Select Enhanced autofill.
4. Select Add next to Saved information to add more info.
5. To edit it, select More > Edit.
6. To delete it, select Delete next to the item you want to remove.

Overall, it’s convenient and very easy to use. But what about data security? It’s an important question to ask, because you’ll be entrusting your browser with your personal data after all.

Is Enhanced Autofill Safe?

According to Google, enhanced autofill is designed to be private and secure. Every time you enter your information, Chrome will ask you for your permission to save it and then encrypt it. Furthermore, every time you can autofill your data, the browser will prompt you to confirm it first. So far, so good.

However, there is still the potential danger of malicious scripts intercepting your autofill requests.

Basically, attackers can inject malicious scripts even in legitimate websites and create invisible forms to steal your data. If you enable autofill, these forms can read and copy your username and password without your knowledge.

Moreover, there’s still the risk of someone gaining unauthorized access to your device or browser and then accessing your autofill data. They could get your saved payment details, passwords, and now passport and vehicle data, all from one source.

So, generally speaking, autofill is safe, but it’s not completely risk-free.

Still, the fact that you’ll be prompted every time before you use it should ease your worries. Additionally, you should periodically review your saved passwords and information and delete them when they’re no longer necessary.

selma citakovic

Selma is a tech fan and writer at Help Desk Geek with a focus on cybersecurity, gaming, and all things Windows. She’s certified by IBM in hardware and operating systems, and cybersecurity essentials. She also has keen troubleshooting instincts – if you have a problem, she’ll help you solve it. Read selma’s Full Bio