tech
Browser extensions with 8 million users collect extended AI conversations
The extensions, available for Chromium browsers, harvest full AI conversations over months.
TL;DR
- Eight browser extensions with over 8 million installs are harvesting and selling AI conversations for marketing.
- These extensions inject scripts that capture all prompts and responses from AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.
- The collected data is sent to the extension makers, Urban Cyber Security, and then to affiliated companies for commercial use.
- Despite assurances of privacy and "AI protection," the data harvesting continues regardless of other features being active.
- Seven of the eight extensions have "Featured" badges from Google and Microsoft, indicating endorsements.
- The privacy policies contain buried legalese acknowledging the collection and disclosure of AI prompts for marketing analytics.