Geek Dashboard

How-To's, Smartphones, News and Reviews

  • Home
  • News
  • Smartphones
    • Android
    • iOS
  • Computers
    • Windows
    • macOS
  • Internet
  • Reviews
You are at Home » News

Chrome Extensions Will Now Show What Data They Are Collecting and How They Are Using It

Last Updated on December 19, 2020 by Anmol Mishra Leave a Comment

We live in a world where privacy is a myth and data is turning into the new currency. Every day we see the news of data breach making rounds on the internet. Whether it is Facebook, Instagram or YouTube or any other social media platform, most of them have faced a data breach.

In an attempt of bolting its doors from future data leaks, Google has updated its security policies. In a recent blog post, Google has announced that it will be adding a new section on its Chrome Web Store where extension developers have to give information collected by the extension and its further use.

Google’s Chrome Web Store New Privacy Policy

Recently we have seen many companies making changes in their privacy policies. For instance, last month Apple directed app developers for its App Store to provide privacy-focussed labels. This move will let iPhone users review the app’s privacy practices before downloading the app.

Google’s new privacy policy is also focussed on the same. The new privacy policy which will come into effect from January 18, 2021, is intended to make data disclosure policies of chrome extensions more transparent.

Now Chrome extension developers have to submit the details of users’ data usage from the privacy tab in the developer dashboard. In this new section, developers have to specify the type of data they are collecting and developers’ certification validating to comply with Google’s new Limited use policy. The new disclosure form is grouped by category to make it easier for extension developers, said Google in its post. Data Usage Fields for developers in Chrome Web Store

What change does it offer?

Once in effect, this new policy will limit the extension developers from using the users’ data from certain practices. For example, it will prohibit the extension developers from selling the user data for targeted advertising, establishing creditworthiness or to any other information reseller.

They also have to ensure that users’ data transfer benefits the user and must comply with the new privacy policy. This will give Google chrome users more control over their data accessed by extensions.privacy practices announced for extension developers in Chrome Web Store

While Google has also cleared that the usage of data benefits the users and essential for the proper functioning of extension.

Implications of this policy

In a bid to be more transparent in data handling of users, Google announced this policy update. However, if a developer fails to comply with these updates, their listings won’t be taken down from Chrome Web Store. Instead, the listings will say that the publisher of this extension hasn’t provided any information regarding the usage and collection of your data.Privacy policy when no information by developers in Chrome Web Store

Here, the question arises what will a user gain from this update?

How many users do we know who read these privacy policies or usage disclosure before downloading the extension or app? Isn’t it the platform’s responsibility to check whether the extension developers were right or not? But with this move, Google has put the ball of privacy in between the users’ and extension developers.

In addition to this, in the case of non-compliance with the new policy, the present regulations are not enough. Google will have to introduce the more serious policies and mechanism for the security of user’s data.

Also Read: 10 Best Browsers For Windows 10 For Better Experience

Conclusion

Companies are becoming more careful in handling user data, but sometimes accidents happen. That’s why while using third-party extensions and software you should be careful.

Always check the permissions of apps and extensions before installing them because at the end of the day it is your data and you have to take care of it.

#Browsers#Chrome Web Store#Google#Privacy
Posted inNews

Spread the Word!

Avatar for Anmol Mishra

Anmol Mishra Facebook Twitter Instagram

Anmol is a writer and technology buff. He loves to research and learn about new gadgets and technology.

Related articles

News

Reliance Jio Launched JioPages: A Web Browser With Encrypted Connection Support

JioPages
Computer

List of 10 Best Steganography Tools to Hide Data

Best Steganography Tools for Windows, Mac and Linux
Computer

How to Always Launch Google Chrome in Incognito Mode

Always open Google Chrome in Incognito Mode

Comment Policy:

The comments section is aimed to help our readers in case of any questions or you can even appreciate us for our hard work. Every comment is strictly moderated before approving it.

Your name and comment will be visible to the public. Never share your personal information in the comments section.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Over 1,30,286+ Followers

Join to get latest updates from Geek Dashboard

Facebook Twitter Telegram Pinterest YouTube Instagram

Recently Published

  1. Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Laptop with 13th Gen Intel Core i7 Launched in India

  2. Lenovo Tab P11 5G Launched with 11-inch 2K Display and Snapdragon 750G SoC in India

  3. How To Select All Photos on iPhone and iPad Quickly

  4. iQOO 11 5G with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 120W Fast Charging Launched in India

  5. Realme 10 Officially Launched with 90Hz AMOLED Display and Dual Cameras in India

Geek Dashboard Placeholder

Download the apps and never miss a story from us

We put a lot effort and resources in writing our articles and we believe it is our responsibility to satisfy your tech hunger. We will keep you filled forever!

  • Get Geek Dashboard App from Google Play
  • Get Geek Dashboard App from Chrome Web Store
Geek Dashboard Logo

At Geek Dashboard, we are dedicated to bringing you the latest and greatest in technology news, reviews, and how-to guides. From smartphones to laptops, and everything in between, we've got you covered.

Got a Tip? Write In tip@geekdashboard.com

© 2012 - 2023 · Geek Dashboard, product of ikva eSolutions

Blog Advertise About Jobs Contact Privacy Policy Write For Us T&C Office Setup

No dogs were injured while working on this website because we love them