Microsoft clarifies policy on “changing browsing experience” – enforcement begins May 2nd

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Published onApril 22, 2016

published onApril 22, 2016

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Microsoft has publisheda new post on its TechNet blogto clarify what’s considered, following the company’s newest browser modifier policy update, as “change browsing experience”. The clarification is reportedly in response to software distributors and the monetization industry.

As a quick recap, Microsoftupdated its browser modifier policy last monthto broaden the scope of the evaluation criteria for adding programs to the definition library and further protect users from malware. Below is the full extended text.

Programs that change the user browsing experience must only use the browsers’ supported extensibility model for installation, execution, disabling and removal. Browsers without supported extensibility models will be considered non-extensible.

In today’s post, Microsoft clarifies programs that changes browsing experience to be programs that modify the content of webpages in any way by inserting new content or changing existing ones, making webpages look differently from before these programs are installed. Programs that do not do this, for example VPNs, parental control programs, will not be affected.

Those that do fall under the “changing browser experience” category, however, will be required to use the browsers’ extensibility models. This means that they will have to ask for user’s permission to be enabled using consistent, straightforward language and placement. All in all, this is a great step from Microsoft towards giving customer choices and controls to their browsing experience, and a good preparation for the upcoming Edge extensions.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

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Microsoft clarifies policy on “changing browsing experience” – enforcement begins May 2nd