One of the features of Google Chrome that makes it stand out from other browsers is that it offers a wealth of browser extensions. Just like Android, Google has a dedicated store for Chrometo find and install their favorite extensions.
Extension developers also give users the opportunity to install Chrome extensions from their websites – a method called inline installation. This is done so that users can save time and effort, since they don’t have to visit the Chrome Store to install an extension from there. However, Google claims that inline installation could be used to abuse and deceive users.
In an effort to promote transparency and security, Google will remove the ability for developers to provide inline installations for their extensions. Instead, they will be required to link their extension to the Chrome Web Store page.
Google notes that extensions installed through the Store are less likely to be uninstalled or reported by users. One of the reasons why users often have problems with an installation is a lack of information. The same goes for extensions in the Chrome Store.
Google will eliminate inline installation in three stages:
First, it is disabled for extensions published from June 12, 2018 onwards. After clicking the install option, the user will be taken to the Chrome Web Store.
Inline installation for existing extensions will be disabled on September 12, 2018, and users will be redirected to the Chrome store page.
Finally, Google will remove the inline install API from Chrome (Chrome 71).
This move could improve user trust in Chrome Extensions. On the other hand, the Chrome Web Store often hosts many malicious extensions that unsuspecting users install on their devices. However, the new changes could be a better and safer way to get Chrome Extensions.
