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Chrome extensions will soon only be installed at the Chrome Web Store
- Today, Google set a date for the end of installing Chrome extensions inline from third-party websites.
- This will force users to visit the Chrome Web Store directly to install Chrome extensions.
- The date set for the new policy is September 12, 2018.
Google announced today that, in an effort to curb unwanted installs of malicious Chrome extensions, the ability to install extensions inline would be disabled starting on September 12, 2018.
This change will result in users being required to visit the Chrome Web Store first before installing any extensions within the Chrome browser.
Starting today, all new Chrome extensions will not be able to provide inline installs to users. Existing extensions will still have inline capabilities up to the September date listed above. Finally, in December of this year, the latest version of Chrome (version 71) will not allow inline installs at all.
This sweeping change should hopefully curb the problem Chrome users face when visiting websites and unintentionally installing an extension through misleading tactics.
Some malicious Chrome extensions can run cryptocurrency mining software in the background processes of your computer. This results in a slow computer experience, uses a lot of electric power, and puts wear and tear on your computer processor, which is one of the most expensive parts of a PC.
If users have to visit the Chrome Web Store instead to install extensions, malicious extensions are less likely to be installed. It also makes it easier for Google to keep track of extensions that are malicious in nature.
However, it is likely that this new change will ruffle the feathers of existing extension owners who rely on the inline install method for legitimate installs of their extensions. Luckily, they have a few months to work out a new way to push their product.