Are your favorite influencers getting duped? The Honey Extension Controversy Explained

The Honey Extension Controversy Explained

Photo: Twitter

The Honey browser extensiona popular tool that has been promoted by several social media influencers can dupe them, YouTuber MegaLag claimed in a video. He adds that the extension, which is owned by PayPalpromises users the best deals by applying discount codes automatically at checkout. But only shows selective.

MegaLag further revealed that Honey sometimes shows smaller, business-friendly discounts instead of better ones. For example, if a store offers a 30% discount code, Honey may only show a 5% discount, misleading consumers and costing them money. This practice occurs when Honey partners with businesses, allowing them to dictate which codes the extension promotes, even if other codes offer better savings.

Honey or PayPal have yet to comment on this accusation.

The YouTuber further added that Honey influences influencers. Many creators promote Honey and encourage their audience to use it to save. But the browser extension reportedly rewrites sales made through affiliate links, meaning credit for the sale goes to Honey, not the influencer. This denies the influencer any affiliate commission they should have earned for driving the sale.

Reacting to the allegations, several social media users slammed Honey. “If you’re using the ‘Honey’ browser extension, please remove it. This is unmanageable and bad for the customer, the brand and content creators promoting products,” said one person on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Remember when Amazon claimed Honey browser extensions were a risk to your security and everyone thought Amazon was lying? Now this video from MegaLag shows in detail how Honey outright steals commissions from YouTubers. Be careful with browser extensions that can manipulate your web pages and change your cookies,” another person added.