Google warns 3.5 billion Chrome users of high severity vulnerability

A global security update follows disclosure of a high severity vulnerability affecting billions of users, as regulators weigh Google's market impact.

Google warns 3.5 billion Chrome users of high severity vulnerability

Google says 3.5 billion Chrome users will receive an update in the coming days and weeks. The update covers Windows, Mac and Linux, with versions 139.0.7258.127 and 139.0.7258.128 for Windows and Mac, and 139.0.7258.127 for Linux. The company has not disclosed details of the vulnerability, citing a policy to restrict bug information until a majority of users are patched. Google notes that the bug could have been exploited by remote attackers and mentions that fixing it may involve changes in a third party library that other projects rely on. To apply the patch, users should open Chrome, go to Help, select About, and relaunch the browser to activate the update. Separately, the UK Competition and Markets Authority said it is minded to grant Google strategic market status, a move that would bring new rules on competition with other search engines and ad providers.

The scale of a patch affecting billions underscores how crucial quick, clear communication is for user trust. Google’s decision to limit bug details aims to protect users from exploitation, but it also leaves some researchers and administrators in the dark about the exact threat. This tension highlights a broader dilemma in security practice: balance transparency with safety. Regulators in the United Kingdom are signaling a shift by considering strategic market status for Google, which could reshape how the company competes in search and ads. The outcome may redefine expectations for accountability and openness in the tech sector, not just for Google but for all large platforms.

Highlights

The patch is a reminder that security and power now travel in the same packet.