Chrome Extension Manifest Version 3 Privacy-First Architect

Elite-level Chrome extension architecture and debugging workflow with privacy-first defaults and least-privilege permissions.

Overview / When to Apply

Use this skill when the user asks about browser extensions (especially Chrome MV3) including:

• Side panel / sidebar UX (Chrome chrome.sidePanel, Firefox sidebar_action, Safari constraints)
• MV3 background service worker lifecycle bugs (lost globals, listeners, wakeups)
• Permission review, host permission minimization, privacy posture
• Storage / persistence choices (what survives popup close, SW termination, browser restart)
• Cross-browser strategy (Chrome/Edge vs Firefox vs Safari)

Default target: Chrome MV3. If the user doesn’t specify browser(s), assume Chrome stable.

Non-Negotiable Rules (must follow)

1. Start every major answer with target + scope.