webRequest — what this Chrome extension permission allows
Observe every network request the browser makes.
webRequest
Observe every network request the browser makes.
| Reach | Reaches your browsing content |
| Shown at install | Yes, Chrome warns about it |
| Extensions in this catalog | 15 |
What it actually reaches
Lets the extension observe every network request the browser makes for the sites in its host list — the addresses, the headers and the timing. Under Manifest V3 observation and blocking are separated; blocking now generally goes through declarativeNetRequest instead.
Why an extension would ask for it
Content blockers, proxies, debugging tools and corporate security agents use it. Combined with all-sites host access it is one of the widest-reaching capabilities an extension can hold.
How to judge it
A permission on its own says little. What matters is whether it fits what the extension is for: a note-taking tool that reads every page you visit is worth a second look, while an ad blocker that does the same is doing its job. Read the permission next to the extension's stated purpose, and check the host list beside it.
Extensions that request it
From this catalog, ordered by install count.
Video Downloader for U
Video downloader extension allows users to save videos from various online platforms in just a few clicks. Save videos for free.
SnapAny - Video/Live/Audio Downloader
Download videos, audio, and livestreams from popular websites. Easy to use—simply log in to get started.
BullVPN - VPN Proxy Unlock Website & Security
BullVPN - VPN Proxy Access websites blocked in your country or company.
IExporter - Follower Export Tool
One click to export Instagram Followers and Following to CSV or Excel for analysis.
ReDeck – X (Twitter) Pro Multi-Column Dashboard
Turn X (Twitter) into a customizable multi-column dashboard. Monitor timelines, notifications, searches, and feeds side-by-side.
Filter Social Noise - Mute words, block annoying tweets and Ads
Block keywords, block annoying tweets by customized keywords, support twitter.com and weibo.com now, and more is coming soon.
Pblocker
Pblocker - unwanted content blocker for your internet. Your children are safely protected from 18+ websites
LangKey | YouTube Bilingual Subtitles & Language Learning
Learn languages with YouTube videos! Get bilingual subtitles, sentence-by-sentence dictation, speaking scoring, and…
ServerWatch — Connection Diagnostics
Diagnose why a site or server is unreachable: DNS failure, ISP/DPI block, local firewall, certificate issue, or real downtime.
Video & Media Downloader
Save direct video files and unencrypted HLS streams locally with progress, MP4 output, and no tracking.