Gmail not playing mp3s on Google Chrome 91.0.4472.77 (64 bit)

Question

We receive mp3 voicemails in Gmail. Starting today, all computers using Google Chrome can't play mp3s found in Gmail. This doesn't affect other sites that host mp3s.

Upon further inspection, the console reports:

Refused to load media from 'https://mail.google.com/mail/u/...' because it violates the following Content Security Policy directive: "media-src https://*.googlevideo.com/videoplayback/".

Is Gmail not following its new CSP policies? Is any work around other than simply downloading and playing the files?

user_12865944 · Answer

With the Content Security Policy directive media-src https://*.googlevideo.com/videoplayback/, media files from sources different to https://*.googlevideo.com/videoplayback/ can't be played in the / tags embedded into page.
Even you load media by ajax and create tag with blob:-Url, it will be blocked by above CSP.
It's not a browser dependant, that's how CSP is work.

With the current CSP restrictions, mediafiles can be played only in the isolated browsing contexts like </code>/<code><object></code>/<code><embed></code>.</p> <p>I don't know is GMail made it intentionally or occasionally, but only browser extensions using nested browsing contexts can play media in such conditions.</p>

user_1370984 · Answer

In the end, I created a Chrome Extension with XMLHTTPRequest to get around CSP and to play the mp3 without a direct download.

I released a Chrome Extension called GPlayer. Waiting on Google to approve. I believe the future link is https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/obdmmgdlafadeehmbmcmoggnaokehnaj

Github link - https://github.com/TriStarGod/GPlayer

Gmail not playing mp3s on Google Chrome 91.0.4472.77 (64 bit)

2 Answers