Clarification regarding undisclosed affiliate links attached to user-added bookmarks in New Tab extensions
Rusleen Goncaleez
Hello,
I would like to request further clarification regarding the enforcement of the Chrome Web Store Affiliate Ads Policy, specifically in relation to user-created content (such as bookmarks) within New Tab extensions.
While reviewing the following New Tab extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/homey-productivity-new-ta/lllnjdmfnfjifcfpppjmcnanpokikcpl (Privacy Policy: https://homey.place/privacy)
I observed a pattern where manually adding a custom bookmark/shortcut for e-commerce websites (e.g., AliExpress) and clicking on it results in redirection through affiliate tracking parameters (?aff_fcid=... / monetized URLs), even though the user explicitly typed or added a clean URL. Furthermore, I could not find any explicit affiliate disclosures in the Chrome Web Store listing, the privacy policy, or within the extension interface prior to clicking.
According to the Affiliate Ads Policy, affiliate links, codes, or cookies must provide a direct and transparent benefit to the user at that moment (such as a valid discount, cashback, or donation), require a related user action, and must be prominently disclosed in the store listing, UI, and before installation.
Could you please clarify the following points:
User-Added Content Modification: Is an extension permitted to intercept or attach affiliate tracking tags to custom bookmarks or URLs created directly by the user?
Undisclosed Monetization: Is it compliant with Chrome Web Store policies to inject affiliate tags without disclosing affiliate relationships anywhere in the extension's listing, UI, or Privacy Policy?
Direct User Benefit Requirement: Does simply directing a user to a bookmark they added themselves satisfy the "direct and transparent benefit" requirement, or must there be a clear discount/cashback/donation offer present?
Pre-installation Disclosure: Does failure to disclose affiliate monetization prior to installation constitute a violation of the policy, even if the user initiates the click on the shortcut?
I am asking to ensure full compliance while developing my own New Tab extension, as I want to make sure I strictly adhere to all Chrome Web Store policy guidelines regarding user privacy, link transformation, and affiliate disclosures.
Thank you for your time and guidance.
PION ACTIVIST
This statement is submitted to formally document the architectural integrity and development standards of our extension submission:
1. Human-Authored, Manual Implementation:
The codebase was designed and written directly by Development Team PCXS. No automated code bots, autonomous scrapers, or unverified generative scripts were used to build or package this release.
2. Strict Use of Documented Native APIs:
The extension relies exclusively on standard Manifest V3 specifications, native browser storage mechanisms, and documented user-interface toggles. There are no injected external proxies, covert scripts, or unauthorized background processes.
3. No URL Alteration or Interception:
The extension does not intercept, modify, rewrite, or append tracking parameters to user-entered URLs or personal bookmarks. All user inputs remain immutable and are processed strictly as entered.
4. Zero Stealth Monetization:
No undisclosed affiliate redirects, stealth scripts, or secondary conversion pathways exist within the runtime. All user-driven actions correspond directly to standard, transparent browser features.
We submit this verification to ensure our record reflects full technical compliance with all Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies.
Sincerely,
Development Team PCXS
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