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Google has announced that it will be extending its policy that requires Chrome extensions to be hosted on the Chrome Web Store to all Mac users beginning in July 2015. Google says it is extending the policy, originally announced in May 2014, to protect users against unsafe Chrome extensions by malicious software developers.
"We originally did not enforce this policy on the Windows developer channel in order to allow developers to opt out," writes Google. "Unfortunately, we’ve since observed malicious software forcing users into the developer channel in order to install unwanted off-store extensions. Affected users are left with malicious extensions running on a Chrome channel they did not choose. As such, starting today we will begin enforcing this policy on all Windows channels. Mac will soon follow, with enforcement for all channels beginning in July 2015."
Google says it saw a 75% drop in customer support help requests from Chrome users inquiring about how to uninstall unwanted extensions since enforcing the policy for some Windows users. The company will continue to support local extension installs during development and installs via Enterprise policy. Developers with third-party extensions not currently on the Chrome Web Store can submit them for approval.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)I cant remember if I ever installed a Chrome extension from somewhere else.
I can't remember ever installing Google Chrome on my Apple products. ;):D:p
Google is actually saying that you can't install adblockers of any kind. Google and security? Give me a break. Less secure you are, more money google makes.
There are plenty of adblockers on the official Chrome webstore.
The title of this article makes it sound like Google's targeting OS X Chrome users with a handicap. It's just a security measure, and there are endless examples of similar practices from many kinds companies.
I dont know if Id call the title linkbait, but its close. Keep it classy, MacRumors.
Google is actually saying that you can't install adblockers of any kind. Google and security? Give me a break. Less secure you are, more money google makes.
Yes. Until google decides to ban them ;)
So this is all based on a conspiracy theory that they'll soon be doing something that they have no signs of doing?
Google is actually saying that you can't install adblockers of any kind. Google and security? Give me a break. Less secure you are, more money google makes.
Except there are a bunch of ad blockers in the chrome web store....?
This is basically like the security measures that windows and Mac OS X have turned on by default now a days limiting you from installing applications from outside the store / unsigned. You can still turn on developer mode and install extensions locally.
The title of this article makes it sound like Google's targeting OS X Chrome users with a handicap. It's just a security measure, and there are endless examples of similar practices from many kinds companies.
I dont know if Id call the title linkbait, but its close. Keep it classy, MacRumors.