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Browser extensions with 10k users are routinely acquired as a "spying platform".

by tpxl 5y ago

throwaway744678 5y ago
I thought that browser extensions were more valuable as a code/ads/whatever injection tool in the users page ?
- 988747 5y ago
  Which is perfect for creating "spying platform".
alkonaut 5y ago
So information from as few as 10k or 100k users have any value? What is it that is gathered and sold, and in what form?
- Applejinx 5y ago
  Doesn't matter. All that matters is if someone can be made to think it matters, enough to pay for access to whatever information it is. I feel like HN folks often look for underlying meaning, a structure or purpose through which transactions like this can contribute to greater progress in line with the promise of capitalism. But that's only true when channeled by the constraints of rule systems, which aren't a given. In the absence of other meaning, it doesn't matter what the 10k user information is. That userbase can still be cannibalized if there's somebody who can be fooled into thinking that act is useful/profitable. Rules saying 'this sort of destructive community-pillaging will cost you more than you gain' aren't necessarily there. In the absence of them, you don't need to prove harming the 10k community will be profitable over the long or even short term: you only have to find somebody with money who can be persuaded they'll benefit, even if that's not true. If they think that, then you definitely can benefit from selling out the community. You can know it's a doomed exploit, but if you get paid, you're out of it by the time the truth comes out.
bottled_poe 5y ago
This sounds like rubbish. Any sources for this claim?
- elmo2you 5y ago
  I remember reading blog posts from browser extension maintainers, at least 3 or 4 times, who spoke out about regularly being approached by shady buyers for exactly that reason. Unless they were all making things up, I'd say it may indeed be something that is happening. I don't remember the sources, but I guess you're capable of using a search engine too.
- jakopo87 5y ago
  The Great Suspender: https://github.com/greatsuspender/thegreatsuspender/issues/1263 https://github.com/greatsuspender/thegreatsuspender/issues/1...

Browser extensions with 10k users are routinely acquired as a "spying platform".

by tpxl 5y ago

Browser extensions with 10k users are routinely acquired as a "spying platform".

throwaway744678 5y ago

I thought that browser extensions were more valuable as a code/ads/whatever injection tool in the users page ?

988747 5y ago
Which is perfect for creating "spying platform".

alkonaut 5y ago

So information from as few as 10k or 100k users have any value? What is it that is gathered and sold, and in what form?

Applejinx 5y ago
Doesn't matter. All that matters is if someone can be made to think it matters, enough to pay for access to whatever information it is. I feel like HN folks often look for underlying meaning, a structure or purpose through which transactions like this can contribute to greater progress in line with the promise of capitalism. But that's only true when channeled by the constraints of rule systems, which aren't a given. In the absence of other meaning, it doesn't matter what the 10k user information is. That userbase can still be cannibalized if there's somebody who can be fooled into thinking that act is useful/profitable. Rules saying 'this sort of destructive community-pillaging will cost you more than you gain' aren't necessarily there. In the absence of them, you don't need to prove harming the 10k community will be profitable over the long or even short term: you only have to find somebody with money who can be persuaded they'll benefit, even if that's not true. If they think that, then you definitely can benefit from selling out the community. You can know it's a doomed exploit, but if you get paid, you're out of it by the time the truth comes out.

bottled_poe 5y ago

This sounds like rubbish. Any sources for this claim?

elmo2you 5y ago
I remember reading blog posts from browser extension maintainers, at least 3 or 4 times, who spoke out about regularly being approached by shady buyers for exactly that reason. Unless they were all making things up, I'd say it may indeed be something that is happening. I don't remember the sources, but I guess you're capable of using a search engine too.
jakopo87 5y ago
The Great Suspender: https://github.com/greatsuspender/thegreatsuspender/issues/1263 https://github.com/greatsuspender/thegreatsuspender/issues/1...