Google Might Let you Disable Shortened URLs in discover
Google is testing a toggle to disable automatic URL shortening in Discover, giving users more control over shared links.
Google Discover on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5″>
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google implemented automatic link shortening for stories shared through Discover earlier this year.
- An option to disable the shorteners may be in progress, allowing users to keep full URLs.
- An early preview of the toggle is active but not yet functional.
Google frequently enough faces controversies, and even small changes can generate pushback. Recently, Discover’s implementation of shortened URLs for sharing raised concerns. If you weren’t a fan of Google tracking these links or the inability to easily see the destination, there’s good news.
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Version 16.23.69.ve.arm64 beta of the Android app reveals a new option for Discover link sharing.Currently, Discover automatically shortens URLs using Google’s search.app and share.google tools.
AssembleDebug / Android Authority
The toggle is currently hidden and non-operational, but the app reveals its potential appearance. The label clearly indicates that users will be able to choose between sharing complete, original URLs or using Google’s shorteners.
This option should have been available from the start. Hopefully, it will arrive soon. We’ll monitor future Google app updates to see if we can get it working ahead of schedule.
