Is EPUBReader Safe? — Extension Safety Profile

This extension requests permissions that go well beyond what a typical EPUB reader requires. The <all_urls> host permission, combined with the declarativeNetRequest API, allows it to read and modify network requests on every website you visit, not just when reading books. The downloads permission lets it save files, and storage can hold data locally. While an e‑book reader might need to fetch book content from the web, broad access to all sites and the ability to alter traffic is unusual and could theoretically be used to inject scripts, track browsing, or redirect affiliate links.

For any e‑book extension, it is wise to be cautious if it asks for more than minimal file or tab access. Such tools can sometimes be repurposed for data collection or to display unwanted content, especially if they gain permission to run on every page. A careful user should always check whether the requested capabilities genuinely match the stated functionality. The fact sheet shows the developer claims to collect location data, which also seems unnecessary for an offline EPUB reader.

The extension’s strongest dimension is Community Reputation, suggesting it has not generated widespread user complaints. However, the weakest dimension is Maintenance & Ownership, indicating sparse update history or unclear developer accountability. This can mean security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues may go unaddressed, making the extension riskier to keep installed over the long term even if it appears popular.