Show HN: Little Rat – Chrome extension monitors network calls of all extensions (github.com)

Article summary

The article presents Little Rat, a Chrome extension that monitors and optionally blocks other extensions' network calls. The extension uses the declarativeNetRequest API and requires the extensions-on-chrome-urls flag to be enabled. The developer has submitted the extension to the Chrome Web Store for review. The extension is currently available for manual installation.

Main themes

• Chrome extension development
• declarativeNetRequest API
• extension policy violations
• Firefox compatibility
• network monitoring
• user privacy
• Chrome Web Store review process

What commenters say

• The Chrome Web Store review process for extensions using the declarativeNetRequest API is uncertain and may be rejected due to permission issues.
• The extension's use of the declarativeNetRequest.onRuleMatchedDebug API may not be allowed in the Chrome Web Store due to its debug-only nature.
• Some commenters have expressed interest in a Firefox version of the extension, but the developer has encountered difficulties with the declarativeNetRequest API in Firefox.
• The discussion has also touched on the topic of extension policy violations, with some commenters reporting that certain extensions are sending telemetry data without user consent.
• The developer has successfully published the extension to the Chrome Web Store, but with some limitations in its functionality.
• The extension's ability to block other extensions' network calls is still useful, even if it cannot provide feedback on what is being blocked.
• Some commenters have suggested that the extension's functionality could be achieved through other means, such as logging traffic or inspecting individual extensions.
• The discussion has highlighted the need for greater transparency and control over extension behavior, particularly with regards to data collection and telemetry.