Chrome Web Store Bans Cryptocurrency Miners Outright
Security at the Chrome Web Store took a hardline stance on cryptocurrency miners this week. In the past, the Chrome Web Store allowed crypto mining apps ONLY if they had mining as their SINGLE purpose, and the user was "adequately informed" about how the app worked. Due in part to the absurd number of apps submitted to the Chrome Web Store that attempted to bend or break these rules, the store announced they'd no longer accept any crypto mining apps at all, whatsoever.
Existing apps and extensions on the Chrome Web Store that've been listed in the past will be removed. Chrome app users will undoubtedly be informed that all crypto mining extensions were banned and that they should probably just go ahead and delete what they've downloaded in the past. In the near future, none shall pass.
Extensions with "blockchain-related purposes other than mining" will be allowed to remain on the Chrome Web Store. Extensions that mine cryptocurrency in any way, shape, or form, will be removed from the Chrome Web Store "in late June." That's according to James Wagner, Extensions Platform Product Manager for the Chrome Web Store.
"Over the past few months, there has been a rise in malicious extensions that appear to provide useful functionality on the surface, while embedding hidden cryptocurrency mining scripts that run in the background without the user's consent," said Wagner. "These mining scripts often consume significant CPU resources, and can severely impact system performance and power consumption." So kiss them all bye-bye.
It's unlikely this de-listing will have a giant impact on the prices of bitcoins or any other cryptocurrencies in the long run. Especially since the vast majority of business done – with regard to malicious crypto apps – is done via websites and downloads outside of official app and extension stores. There's a little bit too much trust going on, at the moment.
As it is with all cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Bitcoin-related articles here on SlashGear, this should not be taken as monetary or investment advice. Seek out an investment professional before moving massive amounts of money. All actions taken by the reader before, during, and after reading this article remain the reader's alone.