this post was submitted on 09 Jul 2024
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Google Chrome ships a default, hidden extension that allows code on *.google.com access to private APIs, including your current CPU usage (fedi.simonwillison.net)
submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
6 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/23752739

https://simonwillison.net/2024/Jul/9/hangout_servicesthunkjs/

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[–] [email protected] 30 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Google Chrome is malware. Got it.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Chromium*, but yes

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I wouldn't call Chromium malware. Anticompetitive yes but not malware

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I mean...

  • It takes code from a remote source, compiles it into native machine code, and then executes said machine code.

  • It exposes hardware information, sensors, and system statistics to remote actors.

  • It can consume inordinate amounts of resources by mining for cryptocurrency in the background.

  • It keeps trying to get you to change system settings.

  • It's hidden within the installers of other programs (thanks, Electron).

Out of context, those sure make it sound like malware.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Too big to fail

It's like saying rich people is eccentric, but us poor can only aim for crazy

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago

At least now we have more proof