Google is experimenting with the way Chrome displays URLs, and the next update to the browser is expected to reduce web addresses.

In Chrome 86, Google is expected to tweak the address bar to show only the domain of the website, rather than the full address of the web page you are on. Google is making this move to make it easier for users to detect that they have arrived at a phishing site.

By cutting long URLs, Google believes that it will make it easier to spot inconsistencies in URLs that might indicate that a site is a scam.

For example, Chrome states, "https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/news/iphone-12’,」ではなく「tomsguide.com」と表示されるかもしれない。

"There are countless ways attackers manipulate URLs to confuse users about the identity of websites, and phishing, social engineering, and fraud are rampant. In one study, over 60% of users were fooled when misleading brand names appeared in the URL path," Google's Chromium blog explains.

"Our goal is to understand through real-world use how displaying URLs like this can help users realize they are visiting a malicious website and protect them from phishing and social engineering attacks.

Such a move may annoy some hardcore Chrome users who like to see the entire URL of the site they are on. However, Google's changes will be tested in the Chrome beta version, so they may not be permanent. Also, if the upgrade is unpopular or undesirable to users, Google may change its policy.

Google also stated that URL shrinking can be turned off in Chrome's settings and that the full text will be displayed when the cursor is hovered over the URL.

The URL feature was tested in September and Chrome 86 is expected to be released in October.