Chrome Web Store to Enforce New Developer Policy Banning Real-Money Prediction Market Extensions

Google said the Chrome Web Store has updated its Developer Program Policies, with stricter enforcement starting August 1, 2026. According to PANews, the new rules classify prediction markets as regulated goods and prohibit extensions that support real-money trading on prediction outcomes. The policy also requires that any user data collected by an extension be used only for a single purpose that is disclosed in advance, and it cannot be repurposed. Developers must prominently disclose all data collection to users, and if data-handling practices change after installation, developers must proactively notify users. In addition, the updated policy adds a provision banning extensions that bypass AI service safety protections or usage restrictions. Google said extensions that violate the rules may be forcibly removed from the store or face other actions.