Google updates chrome expansion rules to prohibit the injection of associated link without user action or benefit

Honey -The extension was recently accused of being a scam
Google replied by updating its expansion rules
Some people think the search mask giant took things too far

Earlier this week, Google Updated Chrome’s extension rules for affiliated companies, where they basically tell their users that without specific advantage or user action can not be placed. While not specifically stated, it is basically that community agrees that Paypal’s Honey Extension forced Google’s arm here.

For those with shorter memory spans, two months ago, a YouTuber named Megalag published an in-depth study of how the Honey Browser extension was essentially involved in referral.

Honey is an extension that was announced as a coupon hunter who finds the best deals for people who want to shop online. However, researchers claimed that it was about to replace referrals from the influences that promoted the expansion with its own, basically deprived of the population of their commission.

Monopoly abuse or UX protection?

Now Google’s new expansion rules are managing what is allowed and what is not: “Related links, codes or cookies should only be included when the extension provides a direct and transparent user advantage related to the core functionality of the expansion. It is not allowed to inject affiliated links without related user action and without giving users a specific advantage. “

“Some common violations include: Inserting associated links when no discount, cashback or donation is provided,” and “an extension that continuously injections associated links in the background without related user action.”

This is apparently what Honey did. In some cases, even if it did not find any discount coupons, it would still replace the referral. Google and PayPal do not yet comment on the new development.

While consumer protection is always a good thing, not everyone agrees with Google here. In the comment section of Verge’s article, there are people who believe that Google uses his browser monopoly position to “strong arm” honey and that it should not be the one who decides whether another’s business model is viable or not. While they are probably a strong argument, other people pointed out that Google has the right to decide what kind of user experience it creates for its user base.

Via The Verge

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