Announcement: Additions to the Chrome Web Store Policies

[Stefan Van Damme]

Dear Developer,

We are announcing updates to our Quality Guidelines and Best Practices and Guidelines.

To better protect users' browsing experience, the Quality Guideline changes clarify that an extension's purpose is to provide complimentary functionality for the browsing experience and should not seek to hijack a user's browsing or search experience. This update aims to ensure that users have full control over their browsing sessions, without any unwarranted interruptions or manipulations. By enforcing this policy, we strive to foster a safer and more enjoyable environment for all Chrome users, where their trust and satisfaction remain our top priorities. Together, we can create a web ecosystem that respects users' autonomy and offers seamless browsing experiences that truly enhance their lives.

Chrome is updating its best practices and guidelines to provide clearer instructions and better support for developers in understanding our policies. These changes are designed to reduce friction, streamline the extension development process, and foster an environment of innovation and creativity. The Best Practices and Guidelines now advise developers to review and understand Chrome Web Store guidelines at the time of development. It also encourages strict adherence for handling user data.

At Chrome, we believe in the power of the web to transform lives and empower individuals. We see extensions as a fundamental part of the browsing experience, enabling users to customize their Chrome browsers and enhance their productivity, entertainment, and security. We also recognize the vital role that developers play in bringing their ideas to life and enriching the Chrome ecosystem. Thank you for your cooperation and for your participation in the Chrome extension ecosystem.

- The Google Chrome Web Store team

Source: Chrome Web Store Developer email newsletter.

Thanks,
Stefan vd

[Jackie Han]

In this email, there is a typo: "complimentary".

In Quality Guidelines, it uses the word "complementary".

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[Robbi]

They say ecosystem 3 times!

Was the definition of this word changed on Wikipedia overnight?

[Uladzimir Yankovich]

To be honest, it is very disturbing to receive such letters without commentary in human language.

Any policy changes are made for what. I want to understand what exactly Chrome is struggling with.

[Oliver Dunk]

Appreciate the feedback on this.

The context was the launch of the Side Panel API - we shared a bit more in the blog post here, which I do agree would have been nice to call out more explicitly in the email: https://developer.chrome.com/blog/extension-side-panel-launch/#web-companion

I don't expect this is a significant change for most extensions - the goal was just to have some language in place to make it clear that similar policies to our existing ones (single purpose, not providing particularly distracting experiences) also apply to the side panel.

Oliver Dunk | DevRel, Chrome Extensions | https://developer.chrome.com/ | London, GB

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/chromium.org/d/msgid/chromium-extensions/2385401e-1607-4978-9a5f-dd79eacf87acn%40chromium.org.

[Robert James Gabriel]

That link is perfect. Can't wait to start adding it !