Google Chrome extensions will be required to minimize access to user data
Google is putting a new pair of restrictions on Chrome extensions meant to make the browser add-ons more considerate of users’ privacy. The major change is that all extensions will now be required to use the “minimum set of permissions necessary” when asking for access to data. So if a task can be accomplished through multiple routes, the extension will be required to take the one that requires access to the least-sensitive amount of data.
On top of that, Google will also begin requiring more extensions to post privacy policies in the Chrome Web Store. This requirement is already in place for extensions that require “personal and sensitive user data,” but now it’s being expanded to extensions that need access to any kind of personal...