Google bans prediction market extensions from Chrome

Google will ban prediction market extensions from Chrome Web Store starting August 1, 2026, and tighten data rules, reflecting growing regulatory scrutiny.

Google will ban prediction market extensions from the Chrome Web Store starting August 1, 2026, under updated developer policies. These new rules prohibit extensions that facilitate or enable real-money transactions based on predictive outcomes, such as event, sports, or financial market bets. Extensions falling under this category are now classified as regulated goods and services, effectively removing them from the Chrome extension ecosystem. The ban specifically targets browser extensions, not the prediction market platforms themselves, but it does cut off a key access point for users of services like Polymarket and Kalshi. In addition, the update introduces stricter data collection and disclosure requirements for all extensions. Developers must ensure any data gathered is strictly necessary for a single, clearly disclosed purpose, and must report any changes to data handling practices. Furthermore, developers are prohibited from creating tools that circumvent AI safety mechanisms. This policy shift comes amid increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny of prediction market platforms in the US and Europe. The EU recently banned such products for retail investors, and several countries have enacted national blocks. Google frames these changes as part of a broader trust and safety initiative.