PayPal’s Honey browser extension has been lauded for years as an easy way to find coupons online. But some are calling it a “scam” after a deep dive from YouTuber MegaLag, who accused Honey of “stealing money from influencers,” and returned one year later with a second video that says Honey targeted minors, collected data on people who never signed up for its service, and exploited small businesses.
The first video shines a light mostly on Honey’s use of last-click attribution, swapping its tracking cookie in for others’ when you interact with it. The second video tracks a series of emails between Honey and small businesses that lost revenue from its use of private coupon codes and how it attempted to squeeze them to sign up as partners, as well as its approach of sponsoring YouTubers with large audiences of younger viewers, like Mr Beast.
PayPal issued statements after the first video in 2024 saying that it follows “industry rules and practices” like last-click attribution. But creators who may have missed out on money because of it aren’t happy. Some YouTube channels, like Legal Eagle and GamersNexus, are now suing.
Below, you’ll find all our coverage of the controversy.
- Steve Ballmer’s Kawhi Leonhard controversy intersects with another scandal.
- The Honey exposé fallout continues.
- Google changes Chrome extension policies following the Honey link scandal
- GamersNexus is leading a new class action lawsuit against PayPal.
- YouTuber Legal Eagle is suing over PayPal’s Honey extension
- Honey’s deal-hunting browser extension is accused of ripping off customers and YouTubers
