Browser Extension/Userscript Policy

ceebee

Hi everyone,

We want to announce today that we’re shifting our policy related to browser extensions, userscripts, and other similar external software. We’ve decided that, for safety reasons, we are no longer going to allow these to be advertised on Scratch.

Browser-based extensions and userscripts can be risky because they can get access to everything you do online. This means that they could potentially get information about the websites you visit, collect private information about you, and change what you see in ways you don’t expect. In the past, we have allowed these to be advertised on Scratch because they can also be fun, safe, and helpful tools – and because we’ve seen that Scratchers can learn a lot by making them. But we feel the risks and potential harm outweigh these benefits.

Because of this, we will now be removing comments, projects, forum posts, user profile information, or other content that reference any browser extension or userscript. In general, we encourage you to use these tools only if they were created by people or organizations you trust.

Thanks,
Scratch Team

- - - - - - -

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does this go into effect?
Right away.

Will I get in trouble for things I’ve already shared about a browser extension/userscript?
No. We will begin the process of removing content that has already been shared on Scratch. This will not count against you, so no need to worry about that

Going forward, we ask that you do not share or advertise browser extensions/userscripts as it could lead to moderations actions against your account.

What if I’ve already downloaded a browser extension?
You should look through your browser extensions and delete any that weren’t created by people or organizations you trust. You might even want to reread their privacy policies to make sure you’re okay with everything the extensions are doing.

Does this mean I have to delete browser extensions I am already using?
No. It is your choice what extensions you want to install and use. The new policy is that you can no longer advertise extensions on Scratch.

Can I still use Scratch-related browser extensions and userscripts?
Yes, you can use those tools for your own use - but do not advertise them on Scratch.

Should I report content referencing a browser extension/userscript?
Yes.

What about Scratch extensions?
Those are a different thing! It’s totally cool to share Scratch extensions, like the ones found in the Scratch editor or on scratchx.org. We’re only talking about browser extensions (like Firefox and Chrome extensions).

Last edited by ceebee (Dec. 1, 2017 12:51:15)

World_Languages

Ok. I'll take a breath and actually implement that in my mind (this is a big change to my Scratch habits) and then I'll see what I'll do with isOnline. Thinking of deleting it from the store would be a good first approach, I guess.

    
if <(World_Languages) = [Awesome ]> then
    
go to [His profile v]
end
if <not <(World_Languages) = [Awesome]>> then
set [World_Languages v] to [Awesome ]

    
end


when I start as a clone
BE AWESOME

Aesthus

@WorldLanguages - maybe isOnline will become a Scratch extension? Is that possible?

ZDUDE9

Hold on a second… Does this mean I have to delete isOnline?

World_Languages

ZDUDE9 wrote:
Hold on a second… Does this mean I have to delete isOnline?

You don't, you just can't advertise it.

(~5 seconds before

)

Last edited by World_Languages (Nov. 30, 2017 15:14:59)

    
if <(World_Languages) = [Awesome ]> then
    
go to [His profile v]
end
if <not <(World_Languages) = [Awesome]>> then
set [World_Languages v] to [Awesome ]

    
end


when I start as a clone
BE AWESOME

NotAJumbleOfNumbers

ZDUDE9 wrote:
Hold on a second… Does this mean I have to delete isOnline?

No, you only have to stop advertising it.

I mean I try to help with scripts but everyone else keeps answering them first

CrocodileCroco

no support

System not found

Xx_Ula_Tumenta_xX

World_Languages wrote:
Ok. I'll take a breath and actually implement that in my mind (this is a big change to my Scratch habits) and then I'll see what I'll do with isOnline. Thinking of deleting it from the store would be a good first approach, I guess.

No!

MeMeBigBoy-

Now I can't have a crown for IsOnline, thanks scratch

acduckii_rises

yep ok sure what about conversations we have in comment sections that we want to keep but in the conversation someone mentioned a browser extension once or twice. what now?

“No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them."

290Scratcher

I understand these changes.

It isn't like I even wanted the isOnline crown anyways

However, when I saw the admin message, I had two of them. And they were the same message. Why did the ST give me two messages?

No breaking the fourth wall in the halls.

SuperFlower008

It's ok!

I just have one question:

Can I delete the "" text that showed up where the extension link was?

– SuperFlower008

forever
if <[My first ever post] = [Yes]> then
say [Welcome!] for (2) secs
end
end

Hello!

Want more SuperFlower008?

ceebee

290Scratcher wrote:
However, when I saw the admin message, I had two of them. And they were the same message. Why did the ST give me two messages?

Looks like that was done by error. No worries, the duplicate was removed

ceebee

SuperFlower008 wrote:
It's ok! I just have one question:

Can I delete the "" text that showed up where the extension link was?

Yep!

RosyStar

That's unfair. I have scratchmoji and isonline and i might not be able to use them anymore

(

fingertipsgaming

i dont know about you but i dont like this change.

World_Languages

RosyStar wrote:
That's unfair. I have ** and ** and i might not be able to use them anymore (

You technically still can use it, you just can't advertise it

    
if <(World_Languages) = [Awesome ]> then
    
go to [His profile v]
end
if <not <(World_Languages) = [Awesome]>> then
set [World_Languages v] to [Awesome ]

    
end


when I start as a clone
BE AWESOME

scratcherjack9000

You made all isOnline users lose there crowns. Ouch.

{—+++SCRATCHERJACK9000+++—}
Over 2000 posts
Roblox–Pokemon Showdown-PokeFarm-Drawception

Girly-ish-Tomboy2046

ceebee wrote:
Hi everyone,

We want to announce today that we’re shifting our policy related to browser extensions, userscripts, and other similar external software. We’ve decided that, for safety reasons, we are no longer going to allow these to be advertised on Scratch.

Browser-based extensions and userscripts can be risky because they can get access to everything you do online. This means that they could potentially get information about the websites you visit, collect private information about you, and change what you see in ways you don’t expect. In the past, we have allowed these to be advertised on Scratch because they can also be fun, safe, and helpful tools – and because we’ve seen that Scratchers can learn a lot by making them. But we feel the risks and potential harm outweigh these benefits.

Because of this, we will now be removing comments, projects, forum posts, user profile information, or other content that reference any browser extension or userscript. In general, we encourage you to use these tools only if they were created by people or organizations you trust.

Thanks,
Scratch Team

- - - - - - -

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does this go into effect?
Right away.

Will I get in trouble for things I’ve already shared about a browser extension/userscript?
No. We will begin the process of removing content that has already been shared on Scratch. This will not count against you, so no need to worry about that Going forward, we ask that you do not share or advertise browser extensions/userscripts as it could lead to moderations actions against your account.

What if I’ve already downloaded a browser extension?
You should look through your browser extensions and delete any that weren’t created by people or organizations you trust. You might even want to reread their privacy policies to make sure you’re okay with everything the extensions are doing.

Should I report content referencing a browser extension/userscript?
Yes.

What about Scratch extensions?
Those are a different thing! It’s totally cool to share Scratch extensions, like the ones found in the Scratch editor or on scratchx.org. We’re only talking about browser extensions (like Firefox and Chrome extensions).

I fully understand this.
When I saw the message in my inbox, I almost fell out of my chair. “My first ST message. Hope I didn't do something wrong,” I thought.
So, I'm here and to my understanding: I can still use isOnline, scratchmoji and things of that nature, but I am not allowed to advertise them.
I'm fine this, to be completely honest. And besides, if I wasn't, it's not like I'd have a choice. So, I can live with this new rule.

when green flag clicked
forever
play sound [ Anna Kendrick - Cups.mp3] until done
end

Last edited by Girly-ish-Tomboy2046 (Nov. 30, 2017 16:52:58)

-OryumiCat-

Oh, okay! That's perfectly understandable. ^^ I mean, it surprised me, but I understand the reasoning.

im not that active on the forums

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