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Chrome just flagged a hugely popular extension as unsafe

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Why This Matters

The removal of the popular GoFullPage extension from the Chrome Web Store highlights the challenges developers face with platform policies and the potential impact on millions of users. While the issue stems from a copyright concern rather than security, it underscores the importance of trust and transparency in browser extensions for consumers and the tech industry alike.

Key Takeaways

Megan Ellis / Android Authority

TL;DR GoFullPage, used by more than 11 million people, was pulled from the Chrome Web Store and disabled for some users.

The extension was flagged as violating Chrome Web Store policy, triggering an “unsafe” warning.

GoFullPage’s developer says the removal stems from a copyright issue, not a security compromise, and Google is working with the team to restore it.

Having a Chrome extension you have relied on for years suddenly red-flagged can instantly spark concerns about malware or compromised software. That exact panic hit over 11 million users this week when GoFullPage, a staple full-page screenshot utility, abruptly disappeared from the Chrome Web Store and triggered automated safety alerts across Chromium web browsers like Chrome and Brave.

Brave, for instance, is warning users that the extension may be unsafe and recommends removing it. The warning says the extension is disabled because it “violates the Web Store policy,” as shown in the screenshot below:

User Icy-prime-01 / Reddit

That understandably set off alarm bells. Several users took to Reddit after Chrome and Brave suddenly disabled the GoFullPage extension, with some wondering whether the extension had been compromised or received a malicious update. One Reddit thread shows users reporting the same warning, while another discussion on the Chrome subreddit documents the extension being disabled there, too.

But there’s an important distinction here: GoFullPage says this isn’t a malware incident.

A member of the GoFullPage team identified as Claire responded to affected users on Reddit, saying the extension was temporarily removed because of a copyright-related issue. According to the developer, Peter Coles (via Reddit), the takedown was an overreach, Google has contacted the team, and that work is underway to restore the extension. The developer also specifically denied that GoFullPage had been sold, saying that they remain at the helm.

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