Google has revised its affiliate advertising policies for Chrome extensions following widespread criticism of PayPal’s Honey browser extension. The update explicitly restricted certain affiliate link practices and came after allegations that Honey was manipulating links to earn commissions, scamming publishers and influencers.
The updated policy, posted on Google’s developer page, sets clear boundaries for the use of affiliated links, stating: “Affiliate links, codes, or cookies must only e included when the extension’s core functionality. It is not permitted to inject affiliate links without related user action and without providing a tangible benefit to users.”
Google has also outlined common violations under this policy, including:
- Inserting affiliate links when no discount, cashback, or donation is provided.
- Continuously injecting affiliate links in the background without related user action.
As per the updated policy, extensions must also disclose the use of affiliate programs in their Chrome Web Store listing.
According to The Verge, these revisions appear to target the exact practices Honey has been accused of, potentially setting up a precedent for greater scrutiny.
The controversy surrounding Honey erupted after YouTuber MegaLag released a viral video accusing the extension of swapping in its affiliate links at checkout, effectively redirecting commissions meant for influencers and content creators.
The video, which amassed over 17 million views, led to widespread criticism of Honey’s business model and sparked discussions about ethical affiliate marketing practices.
In January, legal scrutiny intensified when a prominent YouTube Legal Eagle filed a lawsuit against PayPal, alleging that Honey’s affiliate practices were deceptive and unfair. While details of the lawsuit remain limited, it signals potential legal consequences for companies employing similar tactics.
Neither Google nor PayPal has publicly commented on the situation.
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