Google cracks down: New rules in August could lead to removal of certain Chrome extensions

Google is tightening its grip on Chrome extensions with new regulations set to take effect in August. Developers must ensure their extensions comply with these updated policies by August 1, or risk removal from the Chrome Web Store. The core of the new rules focuses on data collection, significantly limiting what information extensions can gather.

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Chrome extensions cannot collect data arbitrarily anymore.

Under the revised policy, Chrome extensions are permitted to collect only the data strictly necessary for their stated functionality. Any attempt to request or collect information unrelated to the extension's purpose will be considered a violation. Furthermore, Google is demanding greater transparency. Developers must clearly disclose all data collection, even for seemingly minor details, and cannot alter data collection methods through subsequent updates without explicit user notification. Any changes to data processing must be actively communicated to users, not hidden within update logs.

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If they request or collect information that is not directly related to the functional purpose, it will be considered a violation of the policy.

This policy update stems from a rise in security incidents and instances where extensions behaved normally upon installation but began collecting excessive data after updates. Google aims to mitigate the risk of malicious extensions misusing user data by imposing these stricter regulations. However, the effectiveness of these measures in completely eradicating malicious extensions remains to be seen.

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In the future, even seemingly unimportant data must be clearly disclosed to users and cannot be omitted from explanations.

Beyond privacy concerns, Google is also introducing new restrictions on functionality. Extensions designed to bypass AI platform limitations, such as tools that circumvent security mechanisms or usage restrictions, will be prohibited. Similarly, extensions enabling real-money transactions or betting on prediction markets will also be banned. Google has stated that extensions failing to meet these new standards after August 1 will likely be removed from the Chrome Web Store.

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As long as there are any changes to the data processing method, users must be actively notified, and it cannot be secretly included in the update content.