Google tightens the reins on Chrome shopping plugins

Google cracks down on Chrome extensions following Honey scandal
As a result of the Honey expose, Google has now changed its Chrome extension policies concerning affiliate ads and marketing.
Google changes Chrome extension policies following the Honey link scandal
Honey was accused of taking affiliate revenue from the same influencers it paid for promotion by using its Chrome extension to swap in its own affiliate link before you checked out. According to the updated Google policy posted today, this isn’t allowed in most cases:
Google tightens the reins on Chrome shopping plugins amid Honey link scandal
After the Honey scandal, Google tightened its rules to stop shady affiliate link practices in Chrome extensions. Instead of just finding deals, Honey was secretly swapping affiliate links, cutting creators and influencers out of their earnings.
Google Changes Chrome Extension Policy After YouTuber Calls Honey a 'Scam'
Google updates its policy after YouTuber MegaLag details a scheme under which the PayPal-owned Honey swapped creators' affiliate links for its own.
Google's trying to avoid another Honey browser extension scandal
Last year, the browser extension Honey got caught up in controversy over how it took affiliate revenue away from creators. Instead of only taking credit when it saved users money, Honey attempted to use its own affiliate ID for all sales. Google is now updating Chrome extension affiliate ad policies to explicitly forbid this practice.
After Honey link scam, Google tightens rules for Chrome extensions
Google Chrome has updated its policies to limit browser extensions' ability to interact with affiliate codes, essentially banning practices employed by the PayPal Honey extension. The new guidelines state that extensions cannot add "affiliate links, codes, or cookies" without "direct and transparent user benefit."
Google Chrome’s new policy puts the squeeze on shady affiliate extensions
Moving forward, Google Chrome extensions can only use affiliate links, discount codes, and cookies if they offer a clear, direct benefit at checkout, like real discounts or cash rebates. Extensions also can’t mess with shopping cookies or add affiliate links without upfront, transparent disclosure to users.
Google Chrome updates extension policy to limit deceptive affiliate practices
Google Chrome announced a policy update, restricting how browser extensions can engage with affiliate codes.Google announced an update on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, that changes how extensions can interact with affiliate codes,
Google reacts to questionable shopping Chrome extensions
A new update to Google's Chrome Web Store policy should help protect shoppers from dubious affiliate marketing extensions.
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Google Chrome Bans Extensions Injecting Affiliate Codes, Targeting PayPal Honey's Practices
New policies restrict extensions from injecting affiliate links unless they provide direct, transparent benefits to users.
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