Disable Page Visibility API

Add-on to disable the Page Visibility API. This prevents conferencing systems from tracking if you are currently in another window.

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Disable Page Visibility API Chrome Extension

This Chrome extension disables the Page Visibility API, a feature that allows websites to detect if their tab is active or if you are viewing another window. By blocking this API, the add-on prevents video conferencing systems and other web applications from tracking your focus shifts between tabs or windows, enhancing your privacy during online meetings and browsing sessions.

The extension is simple to install and use, providing effective protection against unwanted tab activity tracking. The source code is openly available on GitHub, promoting transparency and security. The icon design is inspired by 'Expand New Tab' from the Noun Project, respecting creative licenses.

Extension Privacy & Security Productivity

By:: Marvin Schopf
Users:: 10,000
Rating:: 4.15

(48)
Version:: 1.0.1 Last updated: 2021-02-02
Creation date:: 2021-02-02
Risk:: Low risk impact Low risk likelihood
Size:: 16.67KB
Email:: ma*****@schopf.biz
Full description:: See detailed description
Source:: Chrome Web Store
Updated:: a day ago

Ranking

# 7,818 ▲ 282

Other rankings

#22857 in Workflow & Planning ▼ 24 #1 in visibility keyword 11 #8 in disable keyword 32 ▲ 1 #71 in page keyword 68 ▼ 1 #273 in source code keyword 27 ▲ 18

Other platforms

Disable Page Visibility API (v1.0.3)

1,394 4.50

(2)

User reviews

The Disable Page Visibility API Chrome extension is praised for preventing videos from pausing when tabs are inactive, benefiting users of Twitch, YouTube, and similar platforms. However, it causes UI and functionality issues on various websites such as Gmail, Google Docs, and banking sites, sometimes breaking essential features. Users desire whitelist/blacklist options to manage compatibility. The extension struggles with embedded iframes, updated API implementations, and occasionally triggers undesirable browser behavior. Despite its usefulness, it requires maintenance and improvements to address compatibility and usability concerns.

Pros

Effectively prevents videos from pausing when switching tabs on sites like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok, enabling features like Twitch drops to continue while inactive.
Simplifies user experience by bypassing annoyances like Google's embedded video pages stopping playback when unfocused.
Works well for the intended purpose of disabling the Page Visibility API to prevent tracking or pausing based on tab focus.
Easy to use and appreciated for its functionality when it works as intended.

Cons

Causes issues with certain websites like Gmail, Google Voice, Google Maps, Google Docs, and some banking sites where UI elements malfunction or content doesn't load properly.
Breaks functionality on trusted or complex sites requiring a whitelist or blacklist option to selectively disable the extension.
Does not work universally, especially with embedded iframes or with sites using updated Page Visibility API implementations; some videos or audio still pause despite it.
Occasionally triggers Google’s restricted mode glitch and may cause text input issues in multi-textbox forms and in-page search features.
Lacks updated compatibility and maintenance, leading to non-functionality on some platforms and browsers, with users requesting updates.

Recent reviews

Have me nagivate tiktok A LOT

Ki*****, 2025-05-16

does not work

at*****, 2025-04-10

please make an updated version that is compatible

Na*****, 2025-02-19

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

Disable Page Visibility API requires very minimum permissions.

Risk impact analysis details

High Injects scripts into web pages, which may alter or extract site contents, resulting in a substantial risk.

Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

Disable Page Visibility API has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
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