Is Auto Tab Discard (suspend) Safe? — Extension Safety Profile

This extension requests a broad host permission (*://*/*) combined with the scripting API. In practice, this allows it to read and modify data on any website you visit. For a tab discarding tool, this scope is somewhat broader than strictly necessary; a more limited set of permissions could achieve the core function of suspending inactive tabs. The idle and alarms permissions let it detect user inactivity and run tasks on a schedule, which is expected for automating tab suspension.

General browser extensions that can access all websites carry inherent privacy considerations. A careful user should be aware that any extension with such broad access could technically collect browsing data, even if the developer states they do not. The declared privacy practices here are strong, but they are self-reported and not independently verified. Users should also consider that extensions in this category can sometimes be abandoned or sold, potentially changing how data is handled.

The strongest dimension in the fact sheet is Data & Privacy, with a perfect score based on the developer's declarations that data is not sold or misused. The weakest dimension is Maintenance & Ownership, which suggests potential concerns about how actively the extension is maintained or the transparency of its publisher. This combination means the extension makes good privacy promises, but users may want to verify that it remains actively supported over time.