



Removal of whitespace, newlines, code comments, and block delimiters

Shortening of variable and function names

Collapsing the number of JavaScript files

If you have an extension in the store with obfuscated code, please review our updated content policies as well as our recommended minification techniques for Google Developers, and submit a new compliant version before January 1st, 2019.









Required 2-step verification





In 2019, enrollment in 2-Step Verification will be required for Chrome Web Store developer accounts. If your extension becomes popular, it can attract attackers who want to steal it by hijacking your account, and 2-Step Verification adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second authentication step from your phone or a physical security key . We strongly recommend that you enroll as soon as possible.





For even stronger account security, consider the Advanced Protection Program . Advanced protection offers the same level of security that Google relies on for its own employees, requiring a physical security key to provide the strongest defense against phishing attacks.









Looking ahead: Manifest v3





In 2019 we will introduce the next extensions manifest version. Manifest v3 will entail additional platform changes that aim to create stronger security, privacy, and performance guarantees. We want to help all developers fall into the pit of success ; writing a secure and performant extension in Manifest v3 should be easy, while writing an insecure or non-performant extension should be difficult.





Some key goals of manifest v3 include:

More narrowly-scoped and declarative APIs, to decrease the need for overly-broad access and enable more performant implementation by the browser, while preserving important functionality

Additional, easier mechanisms for users to control the permissions granted to extensions

Modernizing to align with new web capabilities, such as supporting Service Workers as a new type of background process We intend to make the transition to manifest v3 as smooth as possible and we’re thinking carefully about the rollout plan. We’ll be in touch soon with more specific details. We intend to make the transition to manifest v3 as smooth as possible and we’re thinking carefully about the rollout plan. We’ll be in touch soon with more specific details.



