The new data transmission permissions seem to be misleading to users

Hi there, this is Christos from the Add-ons team.

We appreciate and welcome feedback from developers/users.

These data collection disclosures aren’t new, and seeing one in an update doesn’t automatically mean an extension changed what it does. Here is how we got here:

Even though we haven’t retroactively asked all the published Add-ons to comply with this policy, we do it every time they submit a new version/update.

We want developers and users like you all in every step of the process, especially when we are considering a change. We really value your feedback, and we are committed to building a safe ecosystem for everyone.

I can’t promise anything specific right now, especially one year after the release of the permissions. But what I can do is bring this thread, with your points as you wrote them, to the team,

Three points in particular stand out as fair:

  • the upgrade flow for existing extensions
  • the difference between transmitting and collecting data
  • the prompt not showing which sites the extension can actually access

Once we’ve discussed those points, I will share updates here.

Thank you

-Christos