Chrome Blocks Unauthorized Local Network Access from Websites

The Chrome team is designing a new feature to prevent websites from accessing local network devices without user permission. Currently, malicious websites can exploit a user's browser as a "confused deputy," accessing local devices like printers. The new approach uses a permission mechanism to control local network access, requiring explicit user authorization before a website can communicate with local network devices. This aims to enhance user privacy and security, preventing malicious attacks, but may also impact some existing services that rely on this functionality.