Tabs
tabsInstall Warning
"Read your browsing history."
Technical Context
Grants access to the chrome.tabs API, enabling the extension to query metadata about all open tabs including URLs, titles, and favicons. This permission is required for extensions that need to manage, organize, or display information about your browser tabs.
What This Means For You
The 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.
Related APIs
This permission enables access to these Chrome APIs:
chrome.tabsCommon Use Cases
- ✓Tab managers
- ✓Session savers
- ✓Productivity dashboards
⚠ Red Flags When Combined With
How to Declare in manifest.json
Add the "tabs" permission to your extension manifest:
{
"manifest_version": 3,
"name": "My Extension",
"permissions": [
"tabs"
]
}What Users Will See
When users install your extension, Chrome will display this warning:
This extension can:
"Read your browsing history."
Related Permissions
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.
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.
Privacy Settings
privacyThe extension can change Chrome's privacy settings, like whether websites can track you. This is used by privacy-focused tools to enhance your protection.
Content Settings
contentSettingsThe extension can change what websites are allowed to do, like using cookies or accessing your camera. This is useful for privacy tools that block unwanted features on certain sites.
Active Tab
activeTabThis 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.