The hottest Browser Extensions Substack posts right now

Cookie banners on websites are not legally required by any EU law; companies choose to implement them.
American companies do not have to comply with EU laws such as showing cookie banners to users in the USA.
Many cookie banners on websites are actually illegal according to EU law, as they use dark patterns to trick users into tracking consent.

It's common to blame big businesses for unethical practices, but often founders and CEOs are genuinely trying to do the right thing.
The development of Manifest V3 in Google Chrome, though controversial, aimed to address major security and privacy risks posed by browser extensions.
The concept of the asymmetry of nudges highlights how well-intentioned changes in tech companies can inadvertently limit user choices or negatively impact user experience.

Browser extensions are vital for privacy and security, not just add-ons.
The open web is like driving a car, with web browsers and extensions playing key protective roles.
It's crucial to monitor extension ownership changes to protect users from potential risks.

Building a Chrome extension that steals data demonstrates the potential risks of installing extensions
Extensively requesting permissions can allow for covert data collection without user awareness
Features like keyloggers and input capturing can be used maliciously through a Chrome extension

Matt Frisbie discussed browser extensions on Software Engineering Radio, Episode 552.
The podcast covered successful areas, tools for building extensions, cross-browser compatibility, and security mechanisms.
Developers can leverage emerging platforms for new opportunities in browser extension development.

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If you're not paying for the product, you are the product
Monetizing browser extensions can involve third party advertising and tracking scripts
Selling browser extensions can lead to unknown intentions and potential user harm

The problem faced was missing chat notifications during Google Meet calls.
The solution included watching for messages, transmitting and storing them, and displaying them.
Content scripts, message passing, and popup actions were key components of the solution.