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In recent update of Google Chrome internet browser (in stable channel), there is a new security/privacy option:

http://chrome.blogspot.com/2012/02/faster-browsing-safer-downloading.html

In addition to checking a list of known bad files, Chrome also does checks on executable files (like ".exe" and ".msi" files). If the executable doesn't match a whitelist, Chrome checks with Google for more information, such as whether the website you're accessing hosts a high number of malicious downloads.

According to more detail link

If a file isn’t from a known source, Chrome sends the URL and IP of the host and other meta data, such as the file’s hash and binary size, to Google.

What if I want google not to know which executable files are downloaded by me and from?

How can I disable sending to google URLs and hashes of .exe and .msi downloaded?

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  • 4
    Probably part of "enable phishing and malware protection" in settings. Chrome is headed toward being just another bloated browser, so sad.
    – Moab
    Feb 9, 2012 at 2:46
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    Also see this...groups.google.com/a/chromium.org/group/chromium-bugs/…
    – Moab
    Feb 9, 2012 at 2:48
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    As long as I can opt-out, I'm cool. Chrome is getting bloated a bit, but it's still a good browser.
    – Camilo Martin
    Feb 12, 2012 at 3:56

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
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Within the blog post you linked to, there is a a link that explains how to disable the 'safe browsing' features.

Turn off phishing & malware warnings

The following steps will turn of phishing and malware warnings, as well as download warnings.

  • In the top-right corner of the browser window, click the Chrome menu Chrome menu.
  • Select Settings.
  • Click Show advanced settings.
  • Under "Privacy," uncheck the box "Protect you and your device from dangerous sites"

2019-Jan:

Advanced > Privacy and security > Safe Browsing

2019 January

2020-Jun:

Privacy and security > More > Safe Browsing

2020 June

You could turn it back on after you download what you know is safe.

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    yes, but this page says nothing about "download scanning", so I think, it is not for disabling "download scanning" and sending url to google.
    – osgx
    Feb 13, 2012 at 0:13
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    in the page i linked to above, follow the instructions under "Disable phishing and malware detection".
    – obsd
    Feb 13, 2012 at 1:21
  • will it disable downloads checking too? How can you prove?
    – osgx
    Feb 13, 2012 at 2:12
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    You can choose to keep individual files by clicking "recover malicious file" in the downloads list after they are blocked. I would do that on a case-by-case basis rather than disabling protection completely. I don't think disabling security settings is the greatest advice, even if it is in a Google blog post.
    – Jason C
    Feb 28, 2015 at 0:08
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    Google keeps finding ways to creatively block people from downloading the files they need. To get around this fake message, use the three vertical dots on Chrome in the top right of the window. Then click "downloads". On that list is a hidden button to allow you to keep the file anyway.
    – Rick Mac Gillis
    Jun 14, 2020 at 11:00
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An additional option is available. If you've downloaded a file and Chrome has blocked it, and you'd like to keep the file without disabling malware and phishing protection altogether, you can keep the file like so:

  1. Download the file and let Chrome "block" it. If you are directed to a "site ahead contains harmful programs" page, click "details" then "visit the site".

  2. After chrome displays the warning message in the download bar, click "show all downloads", or choose "downloads" from the menu, or press "ctrl+j" (on Windows at least).

  3. The file will be in the download list. Click "recover malicious file". Then it will get that file.

This way you can keep your security settings but still make a decision about an individual file, which is generally the safer way to go instead of disabling the protection completely just for one or two files.

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    The question was about: how to stop Google from spying on my downloads. Your solution is good for unblocking files, but not for stopping the spy functionality.
    – osgx
    Feb 28, 2015 at 4:36
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    Great solution for one-off downloads.
    – WirthLuce
    Nov 3, 2015 at 4:16
  • Is there a way to do it permanently? It looks like Chrome removed the checkbox from the other answers.
    – Gaʀʀʏ
    Nov 12, 2015 at 14:41
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    @G Well, you could use a different browser, I suppose, heh.
    – Jason C
    Nov 12, 2015 at 15:29
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Here is a fix. Go to the icon that has 3 horizontal lines in the top right corner, right under the X -> go to stting near the bottom -> scroll down and click "show advanced setting" -> under the privacy section, uncheck the 5th box that says "enable fishing and malware protection"

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