Amazon warned users to use caution when using a popular online shopping browser extension. The retail giant has reported that Honey, which helps consumers find coupons that get them deals or money when shopping online, is a security threat, for fear of tracking users' browsing habits. The tool is available as a free browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other popular browsers, and has millions of users around the world.
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Amazon's warning, which was first seen by Politico editor-in-chief Ryan Hutchins, says that Honey "tracks your private shopping behavior, collects the data... and can read or modify any of your data on any site." website you visit." He then informs users that, "To keep your data private and secure, please uninstall this extension immediately." The warning reportedly began appearing on Amazon's site on December 20, at the height of the holiday shopping season, leading many commentators to question the sudden change in tone. 39; Amazon as Honey has been supported by Amazon for years. Some have suggested that this decision was linked to PayPal's €4bn acquisition of Honey in November 2019, with Amazon feeling threatened by its competitor's big-name takeover. "Our goal is to warn customers about browser extensions that collect personal purchase data without their knowledge or consent," an Amazon spokesperson told The Verge. "We only use data in a way that directly benefits Honey members, helping people save money and time, and in ways they expect," the Honey spokesperson told Wired, adding that he had a "commitment" to privacy and that he was working with corporate security to make sure he didn't cross any lines. .- Protect your privacy online with the best VPN services of 2020