User:Shaver/AMO Extension Policy

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Guiding Principle

Users should get what they expect from extensions.

Descriptions and names should set expectations (and not mislead), manipulation of personal data must be subject to informed user consent, and extensions should be updated promptly to resolve significant bugs or version compatibility. Ratings and reviews and categorization should fairly and reasonably describe the behaviour that the user will see if they install the extension.

Descriptions and extension naming

Descriptions need to clearly inform the (potential) user of

  • the purpose of the extension
  • what, if any, other software or subscriptions/accounts are necessary to use the extension
  • how to activate the extension's functionality, if not obvious.

Relevant AMO bugs:

  • bug 338271 Need support for optional shorter summary, with length cap

Extension names should not:

  • inappropriately use trademarks held by people other than the author
  • be confusingly similar to other extensions or software
  • be chosen to "game" or otherwise manipulate sort/display order, search, rating systems, or international currency markets

OK: "Wibblotron for Firefox" Not OK: "Firefox Wibblotron" OK: "Network Explorer" Not OK: "Opera 9"

Collection of user data

  • description of the extension must clearly indicate that such collection occurs
  • description of the extension must include a link to the privacy policy for the organization/site to which the data is reported

Relevant AMO bugs:

  • bug 335707 Permit developers to provide a link to a privacy policy for their extensions
  • bug 335708 Display privacy policy link for extensions in listings

More detail: EffectiveBrand toolbars

EffectiveBrand toolbars are only permitted if they meet both of the preceding requirements, *and* are based on version 1.0.1.13 (or later) of the EffectiveBrand code. Toolbars based on older versions of the EB code should be denied, with a comment indicating that the developer needs to update to use at least 1.0.1.13. The version number of the extension (as from install.rdf) will match the toolbar code's version in virtually all cases, but if you want to check more closely:

  • The drop-down menu next to the toolbar logo has an "About" entry which will show the version number.
  • You can unzip the inner chrome/*.jar and look in about.xul and/or ebToolbarJS.js for the version strings.
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