Google to allow users to permanently mute sites, block autoplay of videos in upcoming Chrome version

Google says it plans to do something about the problem of audio from video clips that start automatically much to the irritation of users. Google explains in a blog post that autoplay will be allowed only when the media itself does not include sound or when the user has indicated an interest in the media.

The user is seen to be interested in the media if the user has frequently played the media on the site before while visiting from the desktop browser, or if they had tapped or clicked on the screen during the browsing session; or if they had added the site to their home screen on mobile.

Google is bringing in these changes with Google Chrome web browser (Chrome 64).

Meanwhile, Google is disabling several protections against autoplay for mobile users. On Chrome for Android, it will remove 'block autoplay' setting that's currently available, as also autoplay blocking on mobile when the Data Saver mode is enabled.

According to the company, the move will make this new ''muted autoplay'' more reliable. According to commentators, though in actual practice, that means if users have already taken a specific action to block autoplay videos on mobile, they might actually see them play more often due to the changes if they are not careful.

Google says in its blog: Starting in Chrome 64, autoplay will be allowed when either the media won't play sound, or the user has indicated an interest in the media. This will allow autoplay to occur when users want media to play, and respect users' wishes when they don't. These changes will also unify desktop and mobile web behavior, making web media development more predictable across platforms and browsers.

Not all users have the same preferences for autoplay media, so Chrome 63 will add a new user option to completely disable audio for individual sites. This site muting option will persist between browsing sessions, allowing users to customise when and where audio will play.

These changes will give users greater control over media playing in their browser, while making it easier for publishers to implement autoplay where it benefits the user.