C2PA Extension Deployment

C2PA Extension Deployment Guide

This guide covers the process of packaging and distributing the YouSeddit C2PA Browser Extension to various browser extension stores.

Building for Production

Before deploying, create a production build of the extension:

# Set the environment to production
export NODE_ENV=production

# Build the extension
pnpm build

# Create distribution packages
pnpm package

This will create distribution packages in the dist-packages directory:

  • youseddit-c2pa-chrome.zip - Chrome Web Store package
  • youseddit-c2pa-edge.zip - Microsoft Edge Add-ons package
  • youseddit-c2pa-firefox.xpi - Firefox Add-ons package

Chrome Web Store Deployment

Preparation

  1. Create a Google Developer account
  2. Pay the one-time registration fee ($5 USD as of 2025)
  3. Prepare promotional materials:
    • Extension icon (128x128 PNG)
    • Store promotional images (1280x800 PNG or JPG)
    • Screenshots of the extension in action (1280x800)
    • Detailed description (up to 16,000 characters)
    • Privacy policy URL

Submission Process

  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard
  2. Click “Add new item”
  3. Upload the youseddit-c2pa-chrome.zip file
  4. Fill in all required metadata:
    • Extension name: “Youseddit C2PA Verifier”
    • Description
    • Category: “Productivity”
    • Language
    • Screenshots and promotional images
  5. Set up pricing and distribution:
    • Extension is free to use
    • Available in all regions where the Chrome Web Store is available
  6. Set permissions justifications:
    • Explain why each permission is needed
  7. Submit for review

The review process typically takes 1-3 business days. You may receive feedback requiring changes before approval.

Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store

Preparation

  1. Create a Microsoft Partner Center account
  2. Complete the publisher verification process
  3. Prepare similar promotional materials as for Chrome:
    • Product images
    • Store listings
    • Privacy policy

Submission Process

  1. Go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Developer Dashboard
  2. Click “Create new extension”
  3. Upload the youseddit-c2pa-edge.zip file
  4. Fill in all required metadata:
    • Extension name
    • Description
    • Category: “Productivity”
    • Language
    • Screenshots and promotional images
  5. Set availability and pricing:
    • Extension is free to use
    • Available in all supported markets
  6. Provide notes to reviewers explaining the extension’s functionality
  7. Submit for review

The review process typically takes 3-5 business days.

Firefox Browser Add-ons

Preparation

  1. Create a Mozilla Add-on Developer account
  2. Prepare promotional materials:
    • Extension icon
    • Screenshots
    • Detailed description
    • Privacy policy

Submission Process

  1. Go to the Firefox Add-on Developer Hub
  2. Click “Submit a New Add-on”
  3. Choose “Upload Your Add-on” and select the youseddit-c2pa-firefox.xpi file
  4. Fill in all required metadata:
    • Extension name
    • Summary and description
    • Category: “Privacy & Security”
    • Language
    • Screenshots
  5. Set up distribution options:
    • Mark as compatible with Firefox for Desktop
    • Set availability to public
  6. Submit for review

Firefox has a rigorous review process that typically takes 7-14 days. Reviewers will manually test your extension and may ask for clarifications or changes.

Post-Deployment Monitoring

After deployment, monitor the extension’s performance and user feedback:

  1. Set up monitoring for:

    • Installation count and active users
    • User ratings and reviews
    • Error reports
    • Performance metrics
  2. Establish response protocols for:

    • User support requests
    • Bug reports
    • Feature requests
    • Security concerns
  3. Create a regular update schedule:

    • Bug fixes: As needed
    • Minor improvements: Monthly
    • Major features: Quarterly

Update Process

When releasing updates:

  1. Increment the version number in manifest.json
  2. Update the changelog
  3. Build new distribution packages
  4. Submit to each store for review
  5. Communicate changes to users through:
    • Store listing updates
    • In-extension notifications
    • Documentation updates

Security Considerations

Code Signing

For Firefox distribution, the XPI package must be signed by Mozilla:

# Sign the XPI package using web-ext
npx web-ext sign --api-key=$AMO_JWT_ISSUER --api-secret=$AMO_JWT_SECRET

Manual Distribution

For enterprise deployment or users who prefer manual installation:

  1. Host the extension packages on a secure server
  2. Provide detailed installation instructions for each browser
  3. Include verification hashes (SHA-256) for security

Extension ID Consistency

Maintain consistent extension IDs across all channels to ensure proper identity and updates:

// manifest.json
{
  "browser_specific_settings": {
    "gecko": {
      "id": "c2pa-verifier@youseddit.com"
    }
  }
}

Compliance Considerations

Ensure the extension complies with:

  1. GDPR and Privacy Laws:

    • Minimal data collection
    • Clear privacy policy
    • User consent for any data collection
  2. Content Security Policy:

    • Secure content loading
    • Protection against XSS
    • Safe resource usage
  3. Accessibility Standards:

    • Keyboard navigation
    • Screen reader compatibility
    • High-contrast visual indicators
  4. Store-Specific Policies:

    • Adhere to each store’s developer agreement
    • Follow marketing guidelines
    • Maintain responsive developer support
Last modified July 6, 2025: Update deploy.yml (d65b9c1)