Google wants you to remove these popular Chrome extensions
02 Mar 2025

Google has warned its Chrome browser users to uninstall 16 popular extensions. These include tools for ad blocking, screen capture, and emoji keyboards.

The tech giant's alert comes after GitLab Threat Intelligence reported these extensions as security threats, for their potential to inject malicious scripts into browsers, possibly compromising user details and facilitating search-engine fraud.

Over 3.2M users affected by security risk
User impact

Having said that, it is important to note that the extensions in question have been downloaded by over 3.2 million users combined, which makes this a major security issue.

The threat was identified after GitLab Threat Intelligence reported that a "threat actor" had hijacked these extensions.

This malicious move enabled hackers to steal user data and conduct fraudulent activities by injecting unauthorized advertisements and manipulating web traffic.

Affected extensions include popular tools
Compromised tools

The compromised extensions are Blipshot, Emojis (Emoji Keyboard), Color Changer for YouTube, Video Effects for YouTube and Audio Enhancer, Themes for Chrome and YouTube, Picture in Picture, Mike Adblock fur Chrome, Super Dark Mode, and Emoji Keyboard Emojis for Chrome.

Other affected tools include Adblocker for Chrome (NoAds), Adblock for You, and Adblock for Chrome.

Also on the list are Nimble Capture, KProxy, Page Refresh, Wistia Video Downloader, and WAToolkit.

Google has already removed the extensions
Removal

In light of this security threat, Google has already removed these compromised extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

However, for maximum safety, users are advised to manually delete them from their browsers.

To further ensure their security, users are also recommended to run antivirus software on their devices to scan for potential malware or other viruses.