New rules: Google bans secret affiliate links in Chrome extensions
Following the dispute over a PayPal shopping add-on, Google is setting new guidelines. In future, users must be able to benefit from affiliate links in add-ons.
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Google is limiting the use of affiliate advertising in Chrome extensions. It is now only permitted if the user benefits directly from it. To this end, the US software company has published revised guidelines for affiliate advertising in its browser add-ons. The changes are Google's response to the allegations of fraud against PayPal subsidiary Honey. The company is alleged to have used its browser extension to exchange affiliate links and thus take the commission.
Affiliate links must offer users added value
According to the new guidelines, Chrome extensions may only use affiliate advertising if there is a direct and transparent benefit for users. The change extends to links, codes and cookies that can be used to generate a commission. If providers of add-ons participate in an affiliate program, they must state this in the description in Chrome's web store, before installation and in the extension itself.
Specifically, it is forbidden for a Chrome extension to insert an affiliate link without obtaining a discount or cashback. In this way, Google wants to prevent companies from earning money from an add-on without offering any added value. Users should also retain control over their browsing experience and be able to understand how extensions interact with websites. In future, they will therefore have to give their consent before an extension is allowed to apply an affiliate code.
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Extension brings PayPal several lawsuits
The new guidelines were preceded by a dispute over the browser extension Honey. It promises to automatically search for and apply discount vouchers when shopping online. If customers wanted to buy a product online via an affiliate link, the add-on displayed a supposed discount to the user, as investigations by the YouTube channel MegaLag suggested. If users then selected the discount, the add-on replaced the previous affiliate link with one of its own in order to receive the commission.
Because content creators in particular rely on income from affiliate links, several YouTubers from the USA launched a class action lawsuit against PayPal. While a court ruling is still pending, Google recommends that developers adapt their Chrome extensions promptly. Enforcement of the new policy will begin on June 10, 2025, and the company intends to remove add-ons that violate the rules after the deadline from its web store.
(sfe)
