Browser extensions are small packages with an unusually privileged seat. Depending on declared capabilities, an extension may read page content, access cookies, inspect downloads, or run across broad sets of sites. Chrome's official permission reference defines those capabilities. A useful feature can therefore inherit much of the reach of the browser itself.
Review the extension
Browser extension security review workbook
Identify the exact artifact and publisher, scope the users and sensitive sites, inventory permissions and evidence, assess content scripts, background logic, communications, native messaging, updates, dependencies, licensing, and managed controls, then document follow-ups and the decision.
- Start with the evidence model. Read why source readability and licensing are different questions.
- Review the artifact and source. Follow the security review methodology, then use the workbook to preserve evidence and limitations.
- Read permissions literally. Chrome's permission documentation and permission reference define the capabilities you are evaluating.
- Decide for your environment. Store acceptance is evidence, but it cannot account for your users, sensitive sites, or managed-browser controls.
The user and browser matter
Document whether the extension will run for payroll, finance, administrators, developers, or general users; which sites they access; what data appears in those sessions; and whether browser policy can restrict installation or host access. The same extension can be low impact in a training kiosk and unacceptable in an administrative workstation.
Source-readable does not necessarily mean open source
Readable JavaScript or a published repository gives you technical evidence. It does not tell you the license or grant rights to modify and redistribute the code. Review behavior and licensing as separate requirements, and verify that the artifact matches the source you examined.
Store review is a control, not your context
The Chrome Web Store enforces published program policies and a user data policy. Store acceptance cannot know that your users handle privileged sessions or regulated data. Treat it as one layer of evidence, then apply your context.
Sources and further reading
Managing repeated extension reviews
Can I Run That? can organize package analysis, evidence links, coverage, review history, and reassessment across many extension requests. A human reviewer still validates material findings and decides whether an extension fits its intended environment.