Google Drive will no longer require third-party cookies to be enabled to download files from January 2, 2024, the search giant has announced.

Google Chrome and other browsers have begun phasing out third-party cookies to better protect user privacy.

“Starting January 2, 2024, Drive will start serving downloads without requiring third-party cookies,” IANS reported from New Delhi.

If you have specific workflows in place that rely on Drive’s download URLs or use an app that relies on Drive’s download URLs, you’ll need to switch to the Drive and Docs publishing flows by January 2.

The change comes as Google prepares to disable third-party cookies by default in its Chrome browser, following similar actions by Mozilla and Apple to enhance privacy.

“Serving downloads without requiring third-party cookies will work to improve usability, security, and privacy for Drive users,” said Google.