Late last year, a YouTube video that highlighted the dubious affiliate practices of PayPal’s coupon Chrome extension, Honey, gained significant traction.
The 23-minute clip, produced by YouTuber **[MegaLag](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4yL3YTwWk)**, garnered over 17 million views and prompted lawsuits against PayPal from well-known YouTubers like **[Legal Eagle](https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/5/24336236/youtube-creators-suing-paypal-honey-extension-affiliate-link-swapping)** and **[GamersNexus](https://mashable.com/article/youtuber-gamersnexus-lawsuit-honey-paypal-affiliate-commission-scam)**.
In light of the backlash, Google has revised its **[Chrome extension policies](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/webstore/program-policies/affiliate-ads)** pertaining to affiliate advertisements and marketing.
## What is Honey?
Honey is a Chrome extension under PayPal’s ownership that assists users in locating coupon codes while shopping online. When a relevant coupon is recognized, Honey applies it to the shopping cart and, in exchange, activates PayPal’s affiliate link. This enables PayPal to earn a commission from the online store for sales made via its affiliate link.
Nevertheless, many users were unaware of Honey’s actual operations. MegaLag’s video disclosed that Honey inserted its affiliate link even in the absence of a valid coupon. Moreover, it would replace existing affiliate links—potentially substituting them with its own, thereby claiming credit for the transaction.
This behavior not only irritated users but also had adverse effects on content creators. Numerous YouTubers and influencers depend on affiliate links as a critical revenue stream. When Honey substituted their links, it effectively redirected earnings away from them.
## Google Chrome’s New Extension Policies
As a consequence of the Honey uproar, Google has implemented more stringent policies for Chrome extensions that engage in affiliate marketing.
Per the updated **[Chrome for Developers policy](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/webstore/program-policies/affiliate-ads)**:
> “Affiliate links, codes, or cookies may only be included when the extension offers a direct and transparent user advantage related to the extension’s primary function. It is prohibited to insert affiliate links without related user action and without delivering a tangible advantage to users.”
To clarify, Google specified particular infractions, such as embedding an affiliate link when no coupon, cashback, or discount is provided. Additionally, an extension must not automatically insert an affiliate code without the user’s explicit action.
The policy further asserts:
> “Related user action is necessary prior to the incorporation of each affiliate code, link, or cookie.”
This indicates that Chrome extensions must inform users if they are altering an existing affiliate link. Any extension that modifies affiliate links without user approval is now contravening Google’s regulations.
These adjustments seem to be a direct response to Honey’s methods while still enabling legitimate coupon and cashback extensions to operate as intended.