Google has abruptly removed MetaMask from the Chrome Extension store without any explanation. The Dapp browser extension has been unceremoniously removed from the Android and Chrome marketplace with no indication as to why, and if or when it will be restored.
MetaMask made the announcement on its Twitter handle on Wednesday July 25 in a tweet that read:
“PSA: MetaMask has been delisted from the Chrome Web Store. We are unsure of why this is the case and we will update everyone as we get more information. All other browsers are unaffected.”
PSA: MetaMask has been delisted from the Chrome Web Store. We are unsure of why this is the case and we will update everyone as we get more information. All other browsers are unaffected.
— MetaMask (@metamask_io) July 25, 2018
Bad News For Ethereum Users
Currently, MetaMask plays an extrmely vital role in the mainstreaming of Ethereum, as it provides an interface between conventional web browsers and decentralised networks. Using MetaMask, users can access Ethereum DApps in their browsers with no need to run a full blockchain node.
Until Ethereum and other decentralized frameworks attain widespread adoption, such interfaces remain perhaps the most important part of the present Ethereum experience.
The sudden and unexplained delisting by the Google Chrome web store will make it more difficult for chrome users who do not already have the extension installed to access Ethereum Dapps, which could have a negative effect on the continued adoption of Ethereum.
For the time being other well known browsers than can run MetaMask, including Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Brave are not affected by the purge.
Speaking on Twitter, MetaMask expressed cautious optimism abut resolving the situation quickly, informing existing MetaMask users that the service should still work fine for the time being.
This would only affect new users on Chrome short-term as they would not be able to install it. Hopefully this resolves before we push up an update, which we would need a store listing (to our knowledge) to make happen.
— MetaMask (@metamask_io) July 25, 2018
As to whether this will continue going forward, there is still no indication yet, but MetaMask hopes that it will be able to reach out to Google and resolve the issue quickly.
While @googlechrome has taken MetaMask down from their @ChromeDev store without notice or explanation, users can still install MetaMask manually on Chrome by following this guide. Note: @brave, @firefox, and @opera stores are all working fine!https://t.co/11ElxRgjDL
— MetaMask (@metamask_io) July 25, 2018
In the meantime, MetaMask users have been taking to Twitter to voice their displeasure and speculations about the ongoing situation.
Some have speculated that the delisting is a simple mistake caused by an overzealous keyword function.
Chrome has banned crypto mining addons. They are probably using an automated system that banned Metamask based on keywords that are similar to those in mining addons.
— The Cryptophiliac (@thecryptophilia) July 25, 2018
Others have reacted with rage against Google, suggesting that the situation presents a perfect opportunity to migrate from Chrome to other browsers such as Brave.
Bye bye chrome, hello Brave. Bye bye google, hello Presearch. Bye bye instagram , hello Lit
— Ignasi Palazuelos (@IgnasiBCN) July 25, 2018
Amidst all this, both MetaMask and Augur have pointed out that fraudsters are looking to take advantage of the chaos by placing phishing apps on the Android store which impersonate MetaMask.
The @metamask_io currently listed in the @googlechrome app store is a fake, phishing app. Do NOT download. The real MetaMask extension has been removed this morning without explanation. Follow @metamask_io for updates. pic.twitter.com/4CPS3wfFqE
— Augur (@AugurProject) July 25, 2018
For now, no one can say for sure what the issue is, least of all MetaMask itself. Whether MetaMak is suffering a minor developer hiccup as speculated by some users, or it is the victim of a more permanent reorganization by Google remains to be seen.
CCN will bring more updates as they become available.
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