Google Chrome has once again exempted its own sites from user site data deletion settings, a behavior first reported six years ago. The issue was observed in Chrome version 152.0.7977.83 on multiple Macs, where Google-owned sites like google.com and YouTube retained data despite user commands to clear site data, according to lapcatsoftware.com.
The original bug, which surfaced in 2020, allowed Google sites to bypass Chrome’s automatic data deletion settings. After the initial report, Google fixed the problem. However, the latest findings by Jeff Johnson, who first documented the issue, show that Chrome is now exhibiting a similar exemption again. Johnson reproduced the behavior on two separate Mac devices, confirming that the bug persists in the current Chrome build.
This recurrence raises privacy concerns as it suggests that Google sites can retain user data even when users opt to clear all site data, potentially undermining user control over personal information. The issue has drawn attention from multiple tech news outlets in the past, highlighting the importance of transparent data handling practices by browser developers. Chrome’s handling of site data is critical given its dominant market share and the widespread use of Google services.
Jeff Johnson’s blog post on September 5, 2026, provides detailed reproduction steps and analysis of the bug. The Chrome version exhibiting this behavior is 152.0.7977.83, and the issue was confirmed on at least two Mac systems, according to lapcatsoftware.com.