Case: Are App Developers On the Hook?
Google removed two Chrome browser extensions from its store after they were found to be installing unwanted software and redirecting users to affiliate links. The two extensions, "Tweet this Page" and "Send to Feedly," began as legitimate services, created by individual developers and offered free of charge. In both cases, the original developer sold the extension to a company who then took advantage of existing subscribers to disseminate ads. The Send to Feedly's founder sold his extension used by 30,000 to an unidentified party. It was a 4-figure deal for something that took an hour to create.The founder has since published a blog post apologizing to existing users, and stated that taking the deal was a bad decision. While many corporations publish apps and extensions, a great deal of these services are made by nonbusiness entities and are offered free of charge.
1. Do independent developers have the same obligations to their users as corporations?
2. Is the founder correct in calling his decision a bad one?