According to TechRepublic, Google has rolled out a major Chrome update that dramatically expands autofill capabilities beyond addresses and passwords. The browser can now handle sensitive official documents including passport numbers, driver’s licenses, and vehicle identification details like VINs and license plates. The feature requires users to manually opt-in before activation and uses encryption to protect stored data. Chrome will also better handle messy or inconsistent web forms that typically frustrate users. The update is rolling out globally across all languages immediately, with support for additional data types expected in coming months.
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The security tightrope
Here’s the thing: this is incredibly convenient but also pretty concerning. Google emphasizes that everything is encrypted and requires confirmation before use. But we’re talking about your actual passport number and driver‘s license details here. That’s identity-level information.
And recent events haven’t exactly inspired confidence. Just look at that massive Gmail-linked credentials leak that surfaced recently. Sure, that wasn’t Chrome autofill data, but it shows how easily sensitive information can escape into the wild. Once this stuff gets out there, it’s game over. Security experts like Michael Tigges and Troy Hunt have repeatedly warned about credentials harvested from malware eventually appearing in large data dumps.
How the magic happens
Basically, when you encounter a form field for something like a VIN or passport number, Chrome will offer to save it after you manually enter it the first time. The key detail is that you have to explicitly turn this feature on – it doesn’t activate automatically. Google stores this data encrypted on their servers, and you get a confirmation prompt every time it suggests filling something.
The enhanced form reading is arguably just as important as the new data types. We’ve all struggled with those poorly coded forms where the fields don’t match Chrome’s expectations. If Google can actually solve that headache, it would remove one of the web’s persistent annoyances.
Google’s ecosystem play
This isn’t happening in isolation. Look at everything Google’s launched recently: power-saving mode in Maps, Gemini as a home assistant, AI-built presentations, smarter meeting scheduling. Each feature seems small, but together they’re weaving this incredibly tight ecosystem where Google anticipates your needs before you even articulate them.
So where does that leave us? The convenience is undeniable – filling out rental car forms or travel applications could become dramatically faster. But you’re also handing over your most sensitive identification documents to a company that’s already deeply embedded in your digital life. The encryption and opt-in requirements help, but the fundamental question remains: do you really want Google storing your passport details?
