Google Chorme extensions privacy message.

[yummyvegetables]

Why is it that when i try to install an extension this message pops up..

''This extension will have access to your private data on all websites.''

Im not installing anything with a message like that.🙄

 

[sourceninja]

It's because of how most extensions work. Take adblock for example. It is going to need to read the entire dom of the webpage you are on (and thus your private information if that page is private) in order to find and remove ads. If the block program was malicious, it could send a copy of that page out somewhere.

 

[yummyvegetables]

so..are these extension legit, safe to use?

 

[sourceninja]

As safe as any other thing you download from someone you don't know on the internet. If you trust the source, then you can trust the extension.

 

[yummyvegetables]

you 100% sure about that i got really paranoid after reading that message. sounds like my private data, passwords, etc will be exposed.

 

[Nothinman]

you 100% sure about that i got really paranoid after reading that message. sounds like my private data, passwords, etc will be exposed.

Installing virtually anything on your PC has the potential to access your private date. It's up to you to decide if you trust the software and it's author.

 

[jkroeder]

Google and privacy 😀

Really though, they're putting that message up because Google's telling you that the potential for a malicious extension is always a possibility. That is why you should only install extensions from reliable sources.

 

[yummyvegetables]

if it's a malicious extension will scanning it with spy programs catch it?

and how can you tell if the extension is a reliable source?

 

[jkroeder]

Google's own extensions gallery is a good start
https://chrome.google.com/extensions

as for spying programs catching malicious extensions? Probably not.

 

[yummyvegetables]

Google and privacy 😀

you have something in mind requiring their privacy?

 

[Alienwho]

Ever since chrome kicked into high gear with the extensions like adblock and firebug I use it all the time. It's great at work cause I can keep my browsing sessions separated. For example I hate when I have a bunch of important pages open in firefox but I have to clear my cookies/cache to troubleshoot a bug. Now I just use chrome for all those pages instead and don't have to put up with ads or lack of functionality. Pretty awesome.