Is stylish safe to use?
Stylish is/was a very popular extension for the Chrome and Firefox web browsers, which let users add custom styles to certain websites. I was using it myself, until a helpful fellow told me it was apparently spyware; new owners decided to engage in data-slurping activities, which caused Google and Mozilla to pull the plugin from their stores.
However, since it's back in store, does that mean they've removed the malicious part of the code and it's safe to use again? I'm not really opposed to general data statistics gathering, I just don't like being uniquely identifiable.
I have read their privacy policy which states
We do not want to know your identity or any other personal information and we do not automatically collect data to try and figure out who you are but stating is one thing, actually doing it is another.
The answer to - Is stylish safe is that https://robertheaton.com/2018/07/02/stylish-browser-extension-steals-your-internet-history/ is the original technical write-up that covered the Stylish ordeal. There was a more recent one posted in August by the same author that covers the updated version of Stylish: https://robertheaton.com/2018/08/16/stylish-is-back-and-you-still-shouldnt-use-it/ The latest write-up notes that Stylish added an opt-in screen when you install the extension. Personally, I think this snippet describes the author's stance on the update best: Will SimilarWeb (the adtech company that owns Stylish) try to sneak in more underhanded tracking in the future? I don’t see why not. Can we trust them? In my opinion, no. [...] It is also worth mentioning that the author recommends using an open-source variant called "Stylus".
Answer (1)
"Stylish" is a browser extension that allows users to customize the appearance of websites by applying user-created themes and styles. While the concept and utility of Stylish are appealing, its safety has been a subject of concern in recent years. Here’s a detailed look at the safety of using Stylish:
History and Concerns
Original Stylish Extension:
Stylish was originally created by a developer named Jason Barnabe and was widely popular for allowing users to customize website appearances.
Acquisition and Privacy Concerns:
In 2017, Stylish was sold to a company called SimilarWeb. After the acquisition, concerns arose about privacy and data collection practices.
Reports indicated that the Stylish extension began collecting detailed browsing data, including URLs of visited pages, which raised significant privacy concerns. This led to the extension being removed from the Chrome Web Store and Mozilla Add-ons site in mid-2018.
Stylus as an Alternative:
In response to these concerns, some developers and users migrated to "Stylus," a fork of Stylish created to offer the same functionality without the invasive data collection practices.
Current Status
Reinstatement and Changes:
Stylish was later reinstated in the Chrome Web Store and Mozilla Add-ons site after making changes to address privacy concerns. However, it’s essential to stay informed about any changes in their privacy policy or user data practices.
User Reviews and Community Feedback:
Checking recent reviews and community feedback can provide insights into the current state of the extension. Look for updates on whether Stylish still has issues with privacy or data collection.
Recommendations
Read Privacy Policies:
Before installing any browser extension, including Stylish, read the privacy policy to understand what data is being collected and how it is used.
Consider Alternatives:
If privacy is a primary concern, consider using alternatives like Stylus, which has a similar feature set but is developed with a focus on user privacy.
Regularly Monitor Extensions:
Regularly review the permissions and activity of browser extensions you have installed. Disable or remove extensions that request unnecessary permissions or have a history of privacy issues.
Use Trusted Sources:
Only download extensions from trusted sources, such as the official Chrome Web Store or Mozilla Add-ons site, and be wary of third-party download sites.
Conclusion
While Stylish has made changes to address privacy concerns, its history of data collection practices warrants caution. It’s advisable to read the latest privacy policies, consider user reviews, and potentially use alternatives like Stylus if privacy is a significant concern. Always stay informed and vigilant about the software and extensions you use to ensure your data remains secure.