Google is taking steps to ensure shopping extensions in the Chrome Web Store provide a direct benefit to users. The move comes after a scandal involving the Honey browser extension, which was found to be swapping out affiliate links and stealing potential commissions from influencers and creators. As of now, affiliate links, coupon codes, and cookies can only be included in extensions if they offer real discounts or cash back on purchases. This means extensions cannot insert links unless they lead to actual savings and must notify users before updating their shopping cookies. While the new rules mainly affect influencers and creators, the change provides a safer browsing experience for users, as they can now be more sure that extensions are doing what they claim.
Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2634912/in-wake-of-scandal-google-clamps-down-on-chrome-shopping-extensions.html