Honey Extension Controversy Explained

Photo: Twitter

The Honey browser extensionA popular tool promoted by several social media influencers could be fooling them, YouTuber MegaLag claimed in a video. He adds that the expansion, which is owned by PayPalpromises users the best deals by automatically applying discount codes during checkout. But only shows selective ones.

MegaLag further revealed this Honey sometimes shows smaller company-preferred discounts instead of better ones. For example, if a store offers a 30% discount code, Honey may only display a 5% discount, misleading consumers and costing them money. This practice occurs when Honey works with companies, allowing them to dictate which codes the extension promotes, even if other codes offer better savings.

Honey or PayPal have not yet commented on this allegation.

The YouTuber also added that Honey has an influence on influencers. Many YouTubers promote Honey and encourage their audience to use it to save money. However, the browser extension supposedly reattributes sales made through affiliate links, meaning the credit for the sale goes to Honey and not the influencer. This deprives the influencer of any affiliate commission they should have earned for driving the sale.

In response to the allegations, several social media users criticized Honey. “If you use the ‘Honey’ browser extension, remove it. This is predatory and harmful to the customer, the brand and the content creators promoting products,” said one person on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Remember when Amazon claimed Honey Browser Extensions posed a risk to your security and everyone thought Amazon was lying? This video from MegaLag shows in detail how Honey literally steals commissions from YouTubers. Be careful with browser extensions that can manipulate your websites and change your cookies,” another person added.