How the Storage Access API works

Storage Access provides a mechanism for embeds to request access to unpartitioned storage, but only when certain conditions are met.

Top-level site visit
A person visits a social media site, logs in, and views content.

Feature interaction 
Later, they visit a website with a feature enabled by the social media site, like a comment tool, and interact with it.

To personalize functionality and maintain settings, the feature uses Storage Access to request access to the person’s cross-site data.

Permission prompt
Chrome displays a prompt asking the person if they want to allow access. This prevents the feature from tracking their activity without their knowledge.

If the person grants access, the feature can use the data to facilitate site experiences.

Here's how it works:

  1. User interaction: When a user interacts with embedded content (for example, clicking on it or attempting to type within it), Chrome interprets this as intent to engage with the embed.
  2. Permission prompt: Upon detecting user intent, Chrome displays a prompt asking the user if they want to grant the embed access to its stored data. This prompt gives users control over their privacy and ensures that data access is granted consciously.
  3. Access granted: If the user consents, the embed gains access to its unpartitioned storage, enabling it to provide personalized functionality and maintain user settings across websites.
  4. Access over time: The permission’s lifetime varies by browser. In Chrome, the permission lasts for 30 days and renews (in other words, it's extended by 30 days) every time the user interacts with the embed.

This user-centric approach ensures that cross-site data access occurs only when the user explicitly permits it, striking a balance between functionality and privacy.

Learn more about how the Storage Access API works in the developer documentation.

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