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Enterprise Chrome users can now request permission to download extensions

Over the years, Google has worked to minimize the security risks posed by browser add-ons. Enterprise administrators now have a new option that lets managed Chrome users request extensions as needed.

If enabled, “Add to Chrome” is replaced by a “Request” button in Chrome Web Store listings. After tapping, end users will have to confirm that they want to “send a request to [their] administrator.” The status will later update to “Pending,” “Blocked by admin,” or “Installed.”

Meanwhile, the Google Admin Console features a new section under Chrome Browser Cloud Management for IT/security personnel with information about the desired extension and three available actions:

  • Force install: Lets admins automatically install the extension
  • Allow install: Lets users install the extension
  • Block: Prevents users from installing the extension

The middle path will alert users (via a web notification) that they can go ahead and download. Google says this has been a “widely requested” capability among finance, healthcare, government, and education users.

It joins existing options that let admins block all extensions or maintain a list of approved ones. In having a first-party request system, companies didn’t have to create their own. It’s useful for fun extensions like background images.

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Besides the request capability, another update will let employers pin extensions in Chrome so that they’re always visible for a more consistent end user experience. Similarly, admins can freeze extensions to a particular version so they don’t auto-update. This capability is still in testing

Other tools provide more insight into extension use within a company, while Google continues encouraging all developers to upgrade to Manifest V3. This standard is focused on being “private-respecting by default.” However, there is still no date when the previous version will no longer be allowed. 

More about Chrome extensions:

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com