Reload the webpage– This is the quickest way to resolve the predicament of privacy error. Just close and reopen the browser followed by loading the webpage again.
It could be some issue with your Chrome browser like being unable to connect to the server. Maybe the site developer was reissuing their SSL certificate at that very moment when you tried to log on. Most of the time privacy error gets fixed just by reloading the website.
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Check the date and time of the computer– Ensure that the date and time on your computer are set correctly. Incorrect data and time will prevent the Chrome browser from verifying the SSL certificate of the website you are visiting. This is simply because when Chrome verifies the expiration date of an SSL certificate, it compares the same with the date and time on the system’s clock.
It is quite easy to rectify the date and time on your computer if it is set incorrectly. If you are using a Windows computer, go to Settings> choose the Time and Language option> click on Date and Time> Click on the Set Time Automatically and Set Time Zone Automatically options. Turn them on and check for the correctness of the updated option. Visit the website again on your browser and the privacy error should not be there anymore.
For Mac users, go to the System Preference> choose Date and Time> check the Set Date and Time Automatically box> enable the Set Time Zone Automatically using the Current Location button. Refresh the browser and revisit the intended website.
Check if the website’s SSL certificate has expired– There is nothing you can do to fix the privacy error if the SSL certificate of the site you are visiting is invalid or has expired. Since it is the site’s fault, you can email the developer or owner to inform them about the situation.If you still have to visit the site which could be unsafe and risky too, you may disable the SSL certificate completely. However, the problem will still be there. You will just be able to put the warning to silent mode.
To do it right-click on Google Chrome on your desktop> click on the Properties option> write ‘-ignore-certificate-errors’/’ in the Target Field> click on OK. The error code will appear on your screen but you go ahead and press the Proceed option.
Now when you attempt to visit the website, the privacy error would not be there anymore.
Clear the cache and cookies– This is another quick and easy method to get rid of the privacy error. To do this select the three dots on your browser> click on the History button> choose the Clear Browsing Data option> check all the boxes you want to clear> go to the Advanced Table for further options> click on the Time Range option> choose the appropriate option> select Clear Data.
Public Wi-Fi network issues– You could receive a privacy error if you use a public Wi-Fi network like in an airport or a restaurant if you do not accept the location’s terms and agreement before visiting a website.
You need to navigate to a non-SSL website like www.weather.com and the sign-in page must open. Try to visit the previous website again to see whether the issue is resolved or not.Ideally, it is advised to avoid public Wi-Fi altogether. This is because they run on HTTP instead of HTTPS, which is taking digital hacking to the next level. You need to ensure the safety and privacy of your data. Thus, visit websites running on HTTPS, especially if they can collect private information.
Also read: Simple Steps To Solve Privacy Error Message In Chrome
Open the website in Incognito mode– Try and see whether the website is opening in Incognito mode or not. If the page opens, it indicates that the issue is with an extension. Identify and disable the same and open the website again. It should open normally.
To set the browser to Incognito mode you need to click on the three dots on the top right of Chrome> choose the New Incognito Window option.
Disable antivirus software– Improved antivirus software would offer enhanced protection. If your antivirus is meant to defend your computer rigorously, then it would block any website which is not secured with SSL with its firewall feature.
This is a nice feature but it can create conflict with the network settings, eventually blocking certain SSL certificates and connections by mistake. To recognize whether or not anti-virus is the cause of privacy error, disable its SSL scanning feature temporarily.
Although different anti-virus would have different interfaces most would have SSL or web-related features in their settings menu. Thus, check the settings to make the necessary changes.
Reset the router– If you are using a home Wi-Fi system, resetting the router could resolve the issue as well. A router has its OS and gets overheated at times and even bugs affect the device.
Many have fixed their privacy error just by refreshing or resetting their Wi-Fi router. Just ensure to wait for at least 10 seconds before turning the router back on. Once the Internet is up and running again, visit the website to check whether the issue persists or not.
Proceed to the website– It is possible to visit the website with an insecure connection. However, you should do it only if you are confident the site can be trusted and that the error is on the website’s end.
To visit the website irrespective of the error message, click on the Advanced option at the bottom of the error box and choose the Proceed to website button. However, this would not resolve the error issue.
Disable VPN– People using VPN or Virtual Private Network often experience privacy errors. The uninitiated VPN uses remote services to connect to public Wi-Fi and the Internet. It is used to hide IP addresses and increase web anonymity. It blocks SSL certification as well, hence the error.
If you are using one, it could become a barrier between the website and your connection. By disabling it temporarily, you would be able to remove some barriers. Once you do so, head back to the website to determine if VPN was causing the error.
Suggested read: How to Fix Internet Explorer Cannot Display The Webpage?
Since you know now how to fix privacy error in Google Chrome in 10 different ways, it should never bother you again. You would be able to identify and resolve the issue in no time. However, if are unable to fix the error even after trying everything, consult a professional for expert assistance. Share the article with others if you find it useful.
