- Edited
The purpose of this suggestion:
On December 22, 2024, a YouTube channel MegaLag published a video about the deceptive and predatory ways Honey operates.
Here's a summary of the video by Kagi Universal Summarizer (emphasis mine):
- The video reveals that Honey, a browser extension owned by PayPal, is accused of deceiving consumers and influencers by misrepresenting its ability to find coupon codes.
- Influencers promoting Honey were largely unaware that the extension was undermining their affiliate commissions, potentially costing content creators millions.
- Honey employs a mechanism where it replaces affiliate tracking cookies with its own, claiming credit for sales that it did not actually refer, thus stealing commissions from influencers.
- The video outlines three scenarios showcasing how Honey manipulates affiliate commissions, highlighting the unethical practices within its operations.
- Honey's business model relies on "last click attribution," allowing it to capture sales credits at the final purchasing stage, making it difficult for other affiliates to compete.
- The investigation found that Honey often fails to find the best coupon codes, and instead promotes codes that are controlled by partner stores, undermining its promise to consumers.
- Honey has sponsored nearly 5,000 videos across various YouTube channels, leading to widespread promotion of its services based on misleading claims.
- The Better Business Bureau investigated Honey's advertising claims but dropped the case after Honey ceased its misleading statements for unspecified business reasons.
- The video highlights a disturbing pattern of Honey’s practices leading to increased prices for consumers due to the commission cuts taken from businesses.
The investigation in the video appears thorough and I have no reason to doubt any of the things discovered.
Currently, Orion lists Honey in its Popular Extensions list under Browse Better
Why this change is needed:
While the users ultimately have the ability to choose which extensions they use, I don't think Honey should be highlighted in the Popular Extensions section. Additionally, the inclusion of a harmful, anti-consumer extension like Honey clashes with Kagi's stance on advertising and tracking.