Google has updated its affiliate ads policy for Chrome extensions to prevent practices related to the Honey browser extension, which has been accused of taking affiliate revenue unlawfully. The revisions come after complaints from creators about Honey’s operations.
Revised affiliate ads policy
The Honey extension, owned by PayPal, faced allegations of misappropriating affiliate links by using its Chrome extension to insert its own affiliate link before users completed purchases. This action reportedly undermined the revenue of influencers who promoted Honey while using their own affiliate links.
The updated Google policy explicitly states that affiliate links, codes, or cookies must only be included when an extension provides a direct and transparent user benefit that relates to its core functionality. Additionally, it prohibits the injection of affiliate links without related user actions and without offering tangible benefits.
Common violations highlighted in the policy include:
- Inserting affiliate links when no discount, cashback, or donation is provided.
- Continually injecting affiliate links in the background without prompting user action.
Google has indicated violations such as updating shopping-related cookies without user knowledge while they browse shopping sites and appending or replacing affiliate codes in URLs without explicit user consent. Such actions are now deemed inappropriate under the new guidelines.
Although the Honey extension remains available in the Chrome Web Store at the time of writing, it is unclear whether the extension has been modified to comply with Google’s new policies or if it will face potential changes to continue its presence on the platform.
The issue with Honey gained major attention in December 2024, when YouTubers accused the extension of deceptive practices. It was claimed that Honey purported to search for discount codes and automatically apply them in users’ shopping baskets across various websites. However, users reported that it was instead injecting its affiliate links without their awareness, contradicting the extension’s claims.
YouTuber MegaLag highlighted these practices in a video that garnered over 17 million views. He mentioned plans for a follow-up video, stating that it was “meant to come out weeks ago” and that “there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, most of which I cannot disclose right now.”
In January, YouTuber Legal Eagle took legal action against PayPal over the alleged affiliate practices of Honey. Neither Google nor PayPal provided immediate comments in response to requests for clarification regarding the changes in policy or the ongoing situation with Honey.
Featured image credit: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash
