After Honey link scam, Google tightens rules for Chrome extensions
What's the story
Google Chrome has updated its policies to limit browser extensions' ability to interact with affiliate codes, essentially banning practices employed by the PayPal Honey extension.
The new guidelines state that extensions cannot add "affiliate links, codes, or cookies" without "direct and transparent user benefit."
This means any addition of these elements must offer a clear benefit to users in relation to the core functionality of the extension.
Clarification
Google clarifies on affiliate links
Google has made it clear that extensions aren't allowed to inject affiliate links without related user action or offering something tangible in return.
For instance, inserting affiliate links without offering discounts, cashback, or donations, and injecting these links continuously in the background are examples of policy violations.
These guidelines directly target the controversial practices of PayPal's Honey extension, which was previously found hijacking affiliate codes if users interacted with the extension in any form whatsoever.
Scrutiny
Honey's controversial practices under scrutiny
The Honey extension employs affiliate codes to subsidize its coupon-code-collecting service.
However, it was caught inserting its affiliate code even when users didn't apply a code from Honey.
This practice was exposed in December and has now been directly banned by Google's new policy.
The updated guidelines also mandate extensions injecting affiliates to do so following "related user action," effectively targeting Honey's practices further.
Disclosure
Extensions must disclose affiliate program use
As per the revised policy, extensions will have to disclose their use of affiliate programs in their Chrome Web Store listing.
Many extensions, including Honey, have used affiliates behind the scenes for years without disclosing that behavior.
This lack of transparency has led to backlash against these extensions and partially overshadowed other main problems, such as taking over codes without any actual referral, as well as working with businesses to limit the number of coupon codes shown through the extension.