Google Updates Chrome Web Store Policy: Bans Crypto Mining Extensions

BlockBeats News, July 8th, according to official sources, Google announced an update to the Chrome Web Store developer program policy, which will further enhance user privacy protection, data transparency requirements, and platform security management. The new policy will officially take effect on August 1, 2026.

According to the update, the Chrome Web Store will expand the scope of prohibited products, explicitly banning extension programs that support or facilitate real-money transactions for predicting market outcomes. This policy means that Chrome extensions involving real-money transactions in prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi will no longer be able to offer services in the Web Store.

In addition, Google will tighten the rules for extension program data collection. User data collected by developers must be strictly used for the single purpose disclosed by the extension, prohibited from being used for other undisclosed purposes. At the same time, all data collection activities must be prominently disclosed to users, with no exceptions even if the data is related to the core functionality of the extension. If developers change the way data is handled after installation, they must also proactively inform users.

Google has also added a "Malicious and Forbidden Products Policy," clearly prohibiting extension programs from bypassing AI service security protections, violating restrictions, or other protective measures.

Google stated that this policy adjustment aims to enhance the credibility of the Chrome extension ecosystem, establishing clearer regulatory boundaries in emerging areas such as prediction markets, AI security, and data privacy. Developers must complete compliance adjustments by August 1, 2026, or the Chrome Web Store may take measures such as delisting.