Webstart.me

If your browser’s homepage and new tab page have been replaced with Webstart.me, then you should check your browser’s extensions list for an extension of the same name and remove it. It is by no means malicious, so we have classified this extension as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) because it has nothing to offer to the end-user. Its search engine redirects your entered search queries to an unmodified Google.com search engine, and it can also collect some information about you for several purposes. We have received information that it might come bundled, so it is possible that some bundled software installers can install this extension without your knowledge or approval.

Webstart.me is a Chrome-exclusive extension, so it is unavailable for other browsers. If you install it on your browser, then it will replace your browser’s homepage and new tab page addresses immediately. This extension is set to force you to use it for searching the web, but it redirects all entered search queries to an unmodified Google.com search engine. The search results shown on it are not modified as they do not contain additional promotional links that are usually shown for the purpose of generating ad revenue. Webstart.me has Windows-8-type style tiles with logos and names on well-known, popular websites such as Google+, Twitch, Amazon, CNN, Netflix, and so on. Whether or not these links generate revenue for its creators is unknown, but apart from Google’s search results, this extension and search engine have nothing to offer.

The privacy policy states that “We collect information from you when you register on our site, subscribe to a newsletter, fill out a form or enter information on our site.” As you can see, information is collected on a voluntary basis. This search engine uses browser cookies to obtain information such as your browser type to remember certain information. Cookies are used to understand and save users’ preferences for future visits, keep track of ads, keep information about web traffic and site interactions to, allegedly, offer better site experience. It is also worthy of a note that this site can use third-party services to collect information on the site’s behalf.

We have found that Webstart.me uses Google AdSense, so this search engine might show ads, but we have not seen any additional ads apart from Google’s regular promoted links. Nevertheless, you should avoid using search engine for searching the Internet as there is no way of knowing what kind of content it can subject you to.

Our research has revealed that Webstart.me and its search engine are products of a company called RCPmedia. This company has also created a similar extension and search engine combo called MyHomePage.pro that is very similar to this new extension. This company has created many other applications, tools, and extensions, but they appear to be okay. Now let us discuss how this company distributes this extension.

Our research has revealed that you can download Webstart.me from the Chrome Web Store. According to the information provided on the store, it has more than 2,200 users in total. While this number is not that large compared to how many users other questionable extensions have, it has the potential to increase due to the fact that the Chrome Web Store is not the only distribution channel used. We have received unconfirmed reports that this extension might be bundled with third-party software. Freeware sharing websites can feature Webstart.me and install it on your browser by default. Fortunately, you might be able to uncheck its installation, but you might have to select custom or advanced settings in the installation wizard to do that.

So there you have it, this is what Webstart.me is all about. It is not a malicious application, but a useless one that can get into your browser without your authorization. We know that it can collect information about you to present you with personalized content which may include ads. Therefore, you might want to remove this extension, and we have included a guide on how to do that.

How to delete this extension

1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Hold down Alt+F.
3. Open More tools and select Extensions.
4. Locate Webstart.me.
5. Click the Remove button.