[Request] Provide a prompt when tapping External/Internal Links:

[TerranceSigl]

Google Chrome for iOS offers a a cool privacy/security feature. When a user sets Chrome as their default browser, there is a setting called “Ask to Open Links from Other Apps in Incognito.” This setting provides a prompt to users to choose whether they want Chrome to open links from other apps in incognito mode or not.

Here are the available options that the user is prompted with when they enable this setting and click an external link in another app:

1.) Incognito Mode

2.) Normal Browsing

Or

3.) Cancel (which means it will not navigate to that link.)

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Here are images of the feature and how it works in iOS:

First Image:

Second Image:

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This feature will enhance users’ privacy and security. Accidentally clicking a link won’t immediately open it, giving users the opportunity to decide whether to open it in incognito mode or normal browsing mode. Alternatively, they can cancel the request and avoid navigating to the website altogether. If they accidentally tap a malicious link, they’ll have a second chance to review the URL before proceeding.

P.S. You could even add an advanced setting on top of this one, enabling this prompt to be displayed for even links clicked within the browser. This way, links both outside and inside the browser will be treated equally with this prompt. But with a warning that this is for more advanced users only and that it will cause convenience issues.

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So, to clarify:

Setting Toggle 1: off (default state: setting is off)

Setting Toggle 2: “There would be a setting for external links only to receive this prompt.”

and

Advanced Toggle Setting: “There would be an advanced setting to enable both internal and external links to receive this prompt.”

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I hope the GrapheneOS team considers adding this!

[thestinger]

We do already have a toggle to open external links in Incognito but it doesn't create a prompt. Are you asking for the prompt?

[TerranceSigl]

Yes, I am asking for a prompt.

In reference to my previously mentioned feature request, I would like to clarify the following enhancements:

Setting 1: Prompt for External Links Only
This setting would allow users to specify that they only want to be prompted for external links.

Setting 2: Prompt for Both Internal and External Links (Advanced Setting)
This advanced setting would provide users with the ability to prompt for both internal and external links. However, it would also include a warning to inform users of the potential inconvenience they may experience with this setting enabled.

Example 1 (Internal/External Link Taps. Advanced Setting)
If users tap on a link within the browser, such as google.com, they would be prompted if the advanced setting is enabled. This setting also will initiate prompts for external links as well. The prompt options would be as follows:

• Cancel navigation to the link
• Proceed with the link in incognito mode
• Continue with normal browsing

Example 2 (External Link Taps Setting)
If users click on a link in a text message sent through a messaging app, they would be prompted once transferred to the Vanadium browser. This setting will only affect external links outside the browser that are tapped. The prompt would offer the following options:

• Cancel navigation to the link
• Proceed with the link in incognito mode
• Continue with normal browsing

Additionally, the prompt would display the full URL for verification before proceeding.

Conclusion
These enhancements would help prevent accidental link taps both within and outside the browser. Users would be able to double-check URLs (to ensure they are legitimate) before proceeding or canceling actions related to the link. Additionally, users would have the option to normally browse the link or privately browse it in an incognito window.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.