Google has announced a new set of restrictions on Chrome extensions that should help reduce spam.
Currently, the Chrome Web Store is the only source of Chrome extensions, also supplying Microsoft Edge and Opera browsers, which are derived from the open source Chromium.
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The new rules will begin to apply on August 27. Know:
- Developers or their affiliates should not post multiple extensions that provide duplicate experiences or functionality to the Chrome Web Store.
- Extensions must not have misleading, incorrectly formatted, non-descriptive, irrelevant, excessive or inappropriate metadata, including, but not limited to, the description of the extension, developer name, title, icon, screenshot and promotional images. Developers must provide a clear and well-written description. Testimonials from unassigned or anonymous users in the application description are also not allowed.
- Developers should not attempt to manipulate the placement of any extension on the Chrome Web Store. This includes, but is not limited to, inflating product ratings, reviews, or installing counts by illegitimate means, such as fraudulent or encouraged downloads, reviews, and ratings.
- Extensions for the sole purpose of installing or starting another application, theme, web page or extension are not allowed.
- Extensions that abuse or are associated with the abuse of notifications by sending spam, advertisements, promotions, phishing scams or unwanted messages that impair the user’s browsing experience are not allowed. Extensions that send messages on behalf of the user without giving the user the ability to confirm content and intended recipients are also not allowed.
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