GoKawiilGoKawiil Original How to Vet a Browser Extension Before You Install It
An extension can read and change everything you do in the browser, including pages you are signed into. That is worth about ninety seconds of checking first.
Browser Extensions
5 GoKawiil briefs on this topic
YouTube tests desktop redesign moving comments into sidebar
YouTube is testing a new desktop layout that relocates comments and video details into a right-hand sidebar while placing enlarged recommended-video thumbnails below the player. The test appears to be reaching more web users, and reports on Reddit describe the resulting watch page as cramped and cluttered. A similar layout was tested and rolled back in 2024 after user backlash.
Chrome Web Store's 'Featured' Poper Blocker Extension Found Stealing User Data
Researchers at Bay Area Labs say the Chrome extension Poper Blocker, which has over 2 million users and Google's 'Featured' and 'Established Publisher' badges, secretly collects browsing histories, screenshots and AI chatbot interactions. The extension uses code obfuscation and sandbox detection to avoid discovery, and the researchers say two other apps from the same developer, flagged as spyware nearly a decade ago, remain featured on the store. Bay Area Labs reported Poper Blocker to Google in May 2026 but says no action has been taken.
Judge Dismisses Proposed Class Actions Against LinkedIn Over Browser Extension Scanning
A federal judge dismissed proposed class-action lawsuits accusing LinkedIn of improperly scanning users' browser extensions. The court ruled that the plaintiffs failed to show they suffered any concrete harm from the alleged scanning practice.
LinkedIn defeats browser-extension scanning lawsuits over lack of standing
A federal judge in California dismissed two proposed class actions accusing LinkedIn of illegally scanning users' browser extensions, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to show they actually had extensions installed that leaked private data to the company. Judge Vince Chhabria allowed the plaintiffs to amend their complaints but expressed skepticism they could ever establish a valid privacy claim, given that browser extensions are voluntarily installed and inherently share data with websites. One plaintiff's attorney says he may refile in state court or appeal to the Ninth Circuit.