Active Tab
activeTabTechnical Context
This permission provides temporary, elevated host permissions to the current tab in response to an explicit user gesture, such as clicking the extension icon. It allows the extension to interact with the DOM and CSS of a specific page without requiring broad, permanent access to all browsing data.
What This Means For You
This is a "privacy-first" permission that only lets the tool see the website you are currently looking at when you specifically ask for help. It ensures the extension remains dormant and unable to read your data on any other open tabs or websites.
Related APIs
This permission enables access to these Chrome APIs:
chrome.scriptingchrome.tabsCommon Use Cases
- ✓Page translators
- ✓Screenshot tools
- ✓Read-it-later apps
How to Declare in manifest.json
Add the "activeTab" permission to your extension manifest:
{
"manifest_version": 3,
"name": "My Extension",
"permissions": [
"activeTab"
]
}Related Permissions
Tabs
tabsThe extension can see what websites you have open in all your tabs, even if you are not actively using them. This is necessary for tab managers but means the extension knows your browsing patterns.
History
historyThe extension can see every website you have visited and when you visited it, going back as far as Chrome stores. It can also add fake entries or delete real ones from your history.
Cookies
cookiesThe extension can see the small "id cards" websites use to remember that you are logged in. This allows the tool to help you manage your privacy or stay signed into multiple accounts simultaneously.
Bookmarks
bookmarksThe extension can see all your saved bookmarks and folders, including their names and URLs. It can add new bookmarks, move them around, or delete them entirely.
Top Sites
topSitesThe extension can see a list of websites you visit most often, similar to what Chrome shows on a new tab page. It cannot see your full history, only your top visited sites.