Is Chrome Web Store Safe? — Extension Safety Profile
Quick verdict: Chrome Web Store earns a safety grade C, 56.7 out of 100, based on 2 of 5 dimensions.
56.7/100
Grade C · 2 of 5 checks · 3 not yet assessed
What we found
Automated safety profile from public signals (the extension's manifest & permissions, store listing, publisher, privacy policy). A full review hasn't been published yet.
What this safety grade means
Chrome Web Store earns a safety grade of C (56.7/100), measured across 2 of 5 dimensions — a provisional grade covering only what we could verify. Its strongest area is Publisher & Identity (60%). The weakest is Data & Privacy (50%) — what holds its grade back the most.
On the public records we can check, Chrome Web Store is a mixed picture. This is an automated profile, not a hands-on review — so treat the grade as a starting point: open Chrome Web Store's own store listing and privacy policy before installing, and weigh it against the other developer tools extensions we track below.
Safety Signals
Based on 2 of 5 safety dimensions — the rest are not yet assessed. The grade reflects only what we measured.
| Dimension | Score | Bar | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publisher & Identity | 60% · 4.8/8 pts | Automated signals | |
| Permissions & Access | Not yet assessed | ||
| Data & Privacy | 50% · 2/4 pts | Automated signals | |
| Maintenance & Ownership | Not yet assessed | ||
| Community Reputation | Not yet assessed | ||
In-depth safety analysis
ModHeader requests broad permissions: host access combined with webRequest and declarativeNetRequest lets it intercept, inspect, and modify all network requests across every website you visit. The scripting permission also allows it to inject code into pages. For a developer tool designed to modify HTTP headers, this scope is normal and necessary to function on any site.
Developer tools that can read and alter all web traffic are inherently powerful. Because they act as a man-in-the-middle, they could be misused to strip security headers or inject tracking, even if not maliciously intended. Careful users should only install such extensions from well-known publishers, confirm the tool’s behavior matches its description, and consider whether a less-privileged alternative meets their needs.
Maintenance & Ownership scored 100%, indicating the extension is actively maintained and the publisher is identifiable, which is reassuring. The Permissions & Access score of 52% reflects the high level of access required. The publisher’s declared privacy practices note collection of personally identifiable information and location data, which merits attention given that core header modification typically does not need such data.
AI-assisted analysis of the documented signals above (permissions, store data, privacy practices) — explains what they mean and the risks typical for this category. Not a hands-on test.
What the store listing shows
Who's Behind Chrome Web Store?
- Publisher My extensions & themes
Public records identify the publisher, but no individual founders or a separate registered company are named — which is what holds the Publisher & Identity score back. Less public information about who operates an extension means less you can verify about their long-term accountability.
How it compares
Among the 17 Developer Tools extensions we track, Chrome Web Store has one of the lowest safety scores.
Computed from our own database of assessed Developer Tools extensions — updated as we track more.
Evidence on File (3)
Chrome Web Store FAQ
- Is Chrome Web Store safe?
- Chrome Web Store earns a safety grade of C (56.7/100) on our evidence-based assessment, based on 2 of 5 safety dimensions we could verify from public records. This is an automated profile built from public records, not a hands-on review.
- Who is behind Chrome Web Store?
- Chrome Web Store is operated by My extensions & themes.
Alternatives we track
Browse all browser extensions we've checked → · Best Developer Tools extensions