Microsoft Quietly Pulls Coupon Feature as Browser Extension Lawsuits Mount

Microsoft announced it would discontinue the coupon code finder in its Microsoft Shopping browser extension, and as of May 31st, it has done so. Users of the Edge browser are now seeing notices stating: “To simplify our shopping offering, we are discontinuing the Coupons feature in Edge.” The company will retain other features including Cashback, Price Comparison, and Price History.

The tech giant has not stated specific reasons for the change beyond the notice displayed to users. When contacted for details, a Microsoft spokesperson only confirmed the accuracy of the message shown in the extension.

The timing comes amid mounting legal pressure as multiple content creators filed class action lawsuits against Microsoft and other browser extension companies earlier this year. The lawsuits allege that Microsoft Shopping intentionally removes legitimate affiliate cookies from content creators and replaces them with Microsoft’s own tracking codes during the checkout process, effectively diverting commissions that should rightfully belong to the original marketers.

Plaintiff Boycat, Inc., an online content creator, claims it earned approximately $1,000 in commission payments over the past year but believes it would have earned significantly more without Microsoft’s alleged interference.

Microsoft’s controversy mirrors a broader industry reckoning triggered by allegations against other popular browser extensions. The scandal gained widespread attention after YouTuber MegaLag published an investigative video in December 2024 exposing how PayPal’s Honey extension allegedly steals affiliate revenue from content creators by capturing the “last click” and obtaining commission-generating cookies.

The Honey controversy sparked class action lawsuits from creators including Legal Eagle and GamersNexus, with similar accusations leveled against other companies including Microsoft and Capital One regarding their browser extensions. As a result of the allegations, Honey reportedly lost roughly 3 million of its 20 million users within two weeks.

The coupon extension business model relies heavily on affiliate marketing relationships. When users click links from content creators and make purchases, the creators typically earn commissions for driving sales. However, according to the allegations, these extensions run background processes that swap affiliate cookies to credit themselves for sales, even when they provide no actual discounts or value to shoppers Honey extension accused of scamming millions and content creators — should you delete it now? | Tom’s Guide.

Microsoft introduced its coupon feature in 2020 as part of its effort to help users save money by automatically finding available discount codes at checkout. The company’s decision to discontinue the feature also precedes new Chrome Web Store policies taking effect June 10, which will restrict how browser extensions can earn affiliate commissions. Microsoft Shopping is no longer available on the Chrome Web Store.

In response to the broader controversy, Google announced in March that affiliate links can only be used on its Chrome browser when they provide “direct and transparent benefits to users” — specifically targeting browser extensions that siphon commissions on purchases where they found no deals or cashback Honey says it finds online deals. Influencers say it swipes their income. – The Washington Post.

The legal cases against Microsoft and other companies accuse them of unjust enrichment, unfair competition, and conversion. The proposed class action seeks to represent all individuals in the United States who participate in affiliate marketing programs and have had commissions diverted due to these browser extensions.

It remains unclear whether Microsoft’s discontinuation of its coupon tool will impact the ongoing legal proceedings against the company.