{
  "id": 19178680,
  "title": "‘It feels like malware’: This Chrome extension redirects your web searches to monetized results and was promoted by a VPN with 50 million downloads",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/it-feels-like-malware-this-chrome-extension-redirects-your-web",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-09T16:20:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/it-feels-like-malware-this-chrome-extension-redirects-your-web-searches-to-monetized-results-and-was-promoted-by-a-vpn-with-50-million-downloads"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Planet VPN, which boasts 50 million downloads on Android, markets its free VPN service as having no limits on traffic, bandwidth, or time. However, free VPNs often require creative ways to generate income. Planet VPN's solution could be its Chrome extension, called Planet Search, which redirects users' internet searches to monetized Yahoo search results through intermediary platforms.\n\nThe parent company of Planet Search, Free Planet VPN S.R.L., has been mentioned in an investigation by Socket regarding 'searchjacking' apps. These apps can take over a browser's default search engine, route queries through suspicious proxy servers, and collect referral payments from partners like Yahoo or Bing. According to a report by TechRadar, Planet Search changes Chrome's default search engine to planet-search.com, which redirects users' queries through multiple intermediary platforms before reaching Yahoo's syndication endpoint.\n\nDespite Planet Search claiming to provide results from Google or Microsoft Bing, our tests consistently led to Yahoo search result pages. The privacy policy of Planet Search indicates that search services are provided through CodeFuel, a search monetization platform, and may gather data such as search queries, time, and date.\n\nOur analysis of older Planet VPN desktop clients shows that version V.2.10.69.99, released on January 13, 2026, prompted users to install the Planet Search extension during setup. However, uninstalling the extension has proven difficult for some users, with one describing it as feeling like malware. The developer confirmed that the browser extension can only be uninstalled through the desktop VPN application settings.\n\nWhile the extension's monetization methods may not be confirmed by TechRadar, it is clear that free VPNs often rely on such tactics to generate revenue. Free VPN providers, while a few reputable ones exist, typically come with limitations like data caps or reduced server access. Planet Search might be one way for Planet VPN to monetize its free service, although this has not been confirmed.",
  "summary": "Because free VPNs need to make money somehow…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dev.to",
        "title": "JobRequester: I built this free Chrome extension that tracks job applications and am looking for feedback",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/jobrequester-i-built-this-free-chrome-extension-that-tracks-job",
        "published": "2026-11-08T04:10:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}