Google has officially implemented a new platform for Chrome extensions, and it brings both good and bad news. On the positive side, Manifest V3 promises greater safety and security within Chrome. On the negative side, extensions that are unsupported are now being actively disabled or blocked.

Google has updated its policies for the Chrome Web Store with new rules for affiliate ads and programs, which require all affiliate programs to “be described prominently in the

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.

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 updates its policy after YouTuber MegaLag details a scheme under which the PayPal-owned Honey swapped creators' affiliate links for its own.

As a result of the Honey expose, Google has now changed its Chrome extension policies concerning affiliate ads and marketing.

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.