Clarification regarding undisclosed affiliate links in New Tab extensions

[Rusleen Goncaleez]

Hello,

I would appreciate clarification regarding the current Chrome Web Store Affiliate Ads Policy.

The policy states that affiliate links, codes, or cookies may only be included when they provide a direct and transparent benefit to the user at that moment, such as a valid discount, cashback, or donation. It also requires a related user action and prominent disclosure in the Chrome Web Store listing, extension interface, and before installation.

While reviewing the following New Tab extension, I observed that several built-in website shortcuts appear to use monetized or affiliate URLs:

https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/infinity-new-tab/dbfmnekepjoapopniengjbcpnbljalfg

This does not appear to be limited to eBay. Shortcuts for Amazon.com, Booking.com, and multiple other websites also appear to lead through monetized or affiliate tracking links.

The Chrome Web Store listing mentions participation in the eBay Partner Network, but I could not find equivalent prominent disclosures for Amazon, Booking.com, or the other monetized destinations. I also could not identify an explicit discount, cashback, donation, or another direct benefit provided to the user when these shortcuts were clicked.

Could you please clarify:

1. Is a built-in shortcut to a retailer or booking service considered a sufficient direct user benefit on its own?
2. Can a New Tab extension use affiliate URLs when the user receives no identifiable discount, cashback, donation, or special offer?
3. Must every affiliate network and monetized destination be disclosed, or is a general affiliate disclosure sufficient?
4. Must the affiliate nature of a link be disclosed directly next to each shortcut before the user clicks it?
5. Is it compliant to disclose one affiliate relationship, such as eBay Partner Network, while also using monetized links for Amazon.com, Booking.com, and other services without naming them?
6. Does clicking a website shortcut qualify as the required “related user action” when the user is not clearly informed that the destination contains an affiliate identifier?

I am asking because I am developing my own New Tab extension and want to understand how the Affiliate Ads Policy should be applied consistently. I do not want to implement affiliate functionality that may violate Chrome Web Store policies.

Thank you.