Google Chrome SWReporter Is Back In Version 68.0.3440.106

For months now I have stopped Google Chrome from phoning home with its SWReporter tool. This tool supposedly scans your system for "malware" or really anything that will "affect Google Chrome's operation". Well at least that is the explanation given by Google and besides it is all for your own good, so says Google. With the release of Version 68.0.3440.106 Google Chrome has circumvented my block and is once again collecting data and phoning home with whatever if finds. While many software companies employ similar practices, the whole thing just strikes me as a little odd and somewhat under-handed way to gather information. I am no tinfoil hat type of user, but wouldn't if be refreshing if these software companies were just a little more up front and forthcoming about exactly what they are doing? I am just asking.

Michael T

Can you block it using Autoruns?

Hi @Steve C

I don't know if Autoruns will do it. That is not how I am blocking it. If you like to know how I am blocking it, PM me. Although Google probably already knows how I am doing it, I am not going to make it public.

tracit99 said:

Hi @Steve C

I don't know if Autoruns will do it. That is not how I am blocking it. If you like to know how I am blocking it, PM me. Although Google probably already knows how I am doing it, I am not going to make it public.

I have that Chrome version. I don't see any references to SWReporter in Autoruns but I do see the following references:

chrmstp.exe - Google Chrome installer
googleupdate.exe - various instances with different switches