"We originally did **t enforce this policy on the ******* developer channel in order to allow developers to opt out," writes Google. "Unfortunately, we?ve since observed malicious software forcing users into the developer channel in order to install unwanted off-store extensions. Affected users are left with malicious Extensions running on a Chrome channel they did **t choose. As such, starting today we Will begin enforcing this policy on all ******* channels. Mac Will Soon follow, with enforcement for all channels beginning in July 2015."
Google says it saw a 75% drop in customer support help requests from Chrome users inquiring about how to uninstall unwanted Extensions since enforcing the policy for some ******* users. The company Will continue to support local extension installs during development and installs via Enterprise policy. Developers with third-party Extensions **t currently on the Chrome Web Store can submit them for approval.