Google has banned Cryptojacking extensions from Chrome
Google has banned Cryptojacking extensions from Chrome
In recent years cryptojacking has become increasingly common in these applications, using system resources to mine cryptocurrency without the end user knowing about it. At a minimum, these extensions increase a PC’s thermal output and power consumption, and at worst they can make a PC cripplingly slow, stealing all of a system’s CPU cycles to mine cryptocurrencies like Monero.Â
In their Chromium Blog, Google has announced that they have banned cryptocurrency mining extensions from the Chrome Web store, with plans to remove all existing extensions that include minders in June. Extensions which serve other blockchain-related purposes will still be allowed on the store, but dedicated mining apps will no longer be permitted.Â
Until now, 90% of all Chrome extensions with mining scripts have failed to comply with Google’s Chrome policies, often attempting to mine cryptocurrencies without the user’s knowledge or consent, making these extensions more like malware than a feature extension for Chrome. Â
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  Until now, Chrome Web Store policy has permitted cryptocurrency mining in extensions as long as it is the extension’s single purpose, and the user is adequately informed about the mining behavior. Unfortunately, approximately 90% of all extensions with mining scripts that developers have attempted to upload to Chrome Web Store have failed to comply with these policies, and have been either rejected or removed from the store.
Starting today, Chrome Web Store will no longer accept extensions that mine cryptocurrency. Existing extensions that mine cryptocurrency will be delisted from the Chrome Web Store in late June. Extensions with blockchain-related purposes other than mining will continue to be permitted in the Web Store.
This change won’t stop Cryptojecking extensions from being installed by Chrome users entirely, as extensions can be installed from outside of Google’s Chrome Web Store, though it will prevent a lot of users from accidentally installing malicious mining software.Â
While many will argue that Google should have taken steps against this sooner, it is undeniable that that is a positive move for the platform.Â
You can join the discussion on Google’s ban on Cryptojacking extensions on their Chrome Web Store on the OC3D Forums.Â