Spammers beware! Chrome will launch an action against spam extensions

Chrome extensions provided easy access to various services, either for work or recreation. These additions to the browser aim to create a delightful Internet experience. Yet, selfish people use extensions to make a quick buck. Nothing wrong with it if it’s done the right way. What will Google do to those people who use extensions for illegal practices?

Google doesn’t take the issue about spam sitting down. These people think they can always get away with this. They think that Google is sitting by and letting them do as they please. They’re wrong. In the shadows, Google has made plans and restrictions to combat these spammers. On August 27, these restrictions will come into play. These spammers’ happy days are coming to an end.

How do these spammers do it?

Since extensions are free to download, these people would create poorly-made extensions. Some of them even make these extensions look legitimate. It means it can fool even the most curious person. One of the most popular spam extensions involves mining cryptocurrency. They receive instructions wherein the computer should stay on. The extension should also remain open on the browser.

People download this extension in the hopes of gaining easy Bitcoin. Little do they know that they will not get anything from their efforts. Only the extension-creator will earn. In doing so, this person mines Bitcoin even without using many mining computers. They also offer some virtual games like wheel spins. They say that people will earn bitcoin from spinning the wheel. Bitcoin earnings will appear, alright, but only for the extension-creator.

Google Chrome’s action

In light of this, Google updated their spam policy. They urge developers to publish an extension that has no duplicates. It means Google allows only one version of the extension at any given time. Developers also need to provide exact information about their extensions. No misleading images or permitted information.

Also, developers must allow Google to place their extensions where they fit. They must not manipulate placements through fraudulent reviews, and user counts. Chrome prohibits extensions that serve as a launching pad for websites and apps. It means extensions with no real use have no place in the web store.

Google disallows extensions that send ads, spam, notifications, phishing messages, and the like. Finally, Chrome forbids extensions that send messages without the user’s consent.

The crackdown begins in the latter part of August. Users hope that spammers will now think twice about doing illegal acts.

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