Browser extensions have come under fire time and time again for collecting personal data without user consent. This is why Google is now cracking down on Chrome extensions to become more transparent with your data.
The search engine giant will introduce a new policy starting January 2021 which will require all extensions from the Chrome Web Store to disclose their data collection. Extension creators will have to explain what data they collect such as sign-in info, personally identifiable data, etc.
Developers will have to agree to follow this new policy which will also disallow them to sell data to third parties and use the collected data for unrelated purposes. Google will apply a notice to developers if they don’t start making disclosures by January 18, 2021.
Chrome extensions can start disclosing data right now but it will not be disclosed on the Chrome Web Store until next year.
It is worth mentioning that this move will not guarantee honesty as abusers could still misreport information to appear clear. However, it is definitely a step in the right direction as it will make it easier to throw out dishonest developers and will also make it easier to choose between extensions.
