New Chrome extension policies might actually save you some money, unlike Honey

Google has updated Chrome Web Store policies to restrict browser extensions’ use of affiliate marketing techniques, aiming to increase user transparency and trust. This measure is directly related to PayPal’s Honey extension and its controversial way of dealing with affiliate links.

This theoretically means that any Honey-like extensions will now do exactly what they’re supposed to, helping you find the best deals without any other shady layer.

The new restrictions are explicit

The new guidelines specify that extensions can contain affiliate links, codes, or cookies only if they create a “direct and transparent user benefit” for the primary purpose of the extension. Extensions cannot introduce affiliate content without user initiation or giving actual value, such as discounts or cashback offers.

Affiliate links, codes, or cookies must only be included when the extension provides a direct and transparent user benefit related to the extension’s core functionality. It is not permitted to inject affiliate links without related user action and without providing a tangible benefit to users. Some common violations include:

1. Inserting affiliate links when no discount, cashback, or donation is provided.
2. An extension that continuously injects affiliate links in the background without related user action.

Additionally, any use of affiliate programs must be disclosed in the extension’s Chrome Web Store listing and user interface before installation. This informs users with complete information regarding how the extension works and what potential impacts it could have on their web browsing.

These policy updates directly address the actions employed by some extensions, specifically PayPal’s Honey, that had faced criticism for allegedly adding affiliate links without the express action or intent of the user. Investigations revealed that Honey added its affiliate codes even when users weren’t applying a discount with the extension, potentially overwriting other affiliate links without the users’ intent.

Extensions not meeting these new policies can be removed from the Chrome Web Store. Developers should verify and reconstruct their extensions to comply with the rules and promote transparency and user trust.

These changes are all part of Google’s attempts to foster a safe and user-friendly browsing environment that guarantees that extensions act in ethical and user-beneficial manners.