Google Updates Chrome Extensions Policy to Tighten Rules Governing Affiliate Links

Google has revised its policies for the Chrome Web Store regarding extensions associated with affiliate marketing links, codes, and cookies. Affiliate links represent a source of income for content creators, and the company’s recent policy aims to stop Chrome extensions from adding affiliate links that may overwrite those shared by content creators. This action follows weeks after a well-known extension was accused of adding its own affiliate links to websites.

The revised Chrome extensions policy for affiliate advertisements introduces a new regulation that bars the inclusion of affiliate links, codes, or cookies unless the main purpose of the extension offers a “clear and direct advantage to users.” Extensions will no longer be permitted to add affiliate links on a webpage unless they provide users with a “substantial advantage”.

Google has also given illustrations of how extensions could breach its revised policy. For instance, Chrome extensions that secretly add affiliate links without user interaction would breach the policy. “Likewise, extensions that include affiliate links without offering users cashback or discounts will be non-compliant.”

Consequently, if Chrome extensions aim to include an affiliate link, code, or cookie, they must now guarantee that they offer a benefit to the user. This should also stop third-party extensions from unlawfully profiting from content creators.

The company quietly revised its affiliate ads policy for Chrome extensions, without providing any explanation for the updated guidelines. Nonetheless, it’s important to highlight that the updated policy arrives months after Honey, a well-known shopping extension owned by PayPal, faced allegations of taking affiliate earnings from content creators who advertised it online.