Google deletes cryptocurrency mining extensions from the Chrome Web Store

In recent days, Google has announced the removal from the Chrome Web Store of all cryptocurrency mining extensions, in an action to reduce risks and dangers for the user. In recent months, Google had defined a series of guidelines to be respected so that the mining extensions could be accepted on the store, based on the shared principle of transparency.

Google had basically asked clarity developers for cryptomining extensions, putting two simple rules: that the purpose of the extensions was clear (ie not to hide the mining operations behind other alleged functionalities) and that they adequately inform the user about the behavior of the app and its use of system resources.

Indications that apparently have fallen on deaf ears, since it seems that at least 90% of the extensions related to the world of cryptocurrencies that have been added to the Chrome Web Store do not respect the two indications of the Mountain View giant. At this point, it was forced to use the hard fist and decided to remove all the extensions that carry out cryptomining operations from the store.

” The platform extensions provide powerful capabilities that have enabled our developer community to build a catalog of extensions that help make the most of Chrome. Unfortunately, the same features have attracted malicious software developers who try to abuse the platform to user fees. This decision is another step forward to ensure that Chrome users can enjoy the benefits of extensions without exposing themselves to hidden risks, ” explained Google on Chromium’s blog.