AI Browser Extensions: Safety Checklist
AI browser extensions and "agent" tools that can read your pages, fill in forms, or make purchases on your behalf are powerful, but they need broad access to work. Check exactly what permissions an extension asks for before installing, and remove any you are not actively using.
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Why browser extensions need extra care
A new category of AI tools now lives inside your browser: extensions that summarise pages, AI agents that can click buttons and fill forms for you, and assistants that read everything you are looking at to offer help. They can save real time, but they typically need very broad access to your browsing to work. People install browser extensions the way they install phone apps, quickly, based on reviews and star ratings, without reading what access they are granting. A browser extension with broad permissions can see everything you do online, including banking and email.
What to check before installing
5 steps
How it goes wrong
4 steps
How to protect yourself
3 steps
Frequently asked questions
Are AI browser extensions safe to use?
Many are, from reputable developers, but the permissions they need are broad by nature. Check the publisher and permissions, not just the star rating.
What is an "agentic" AI tool?
One that can take actions on your behalf, like clicking buttons or completing a purchase, rather than only reading and summarising.
How do I check what permissions a browser extension has?
In most browsers, go to the extensions management page, click on an individual extension, and look for a permissions or site access section.
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