Browser extension

Upwork's guidelines put the burden on the user. You are expected to research what an extension does, what data it collects and how it interacts with the Upwork site and your account. Upwork says it "does not screen, require, recommend or endorse extensions", is not responsible for data loss or Terms violations that follow, and asks users to report any extension that claims affiliation with Upwork. An extension must not interfere with Upwork's technology or tamper with the site, and violations can lead to temporary or permanent suspension.

Upwork's automation article is more specific about which kinds cause trouble. Its examples:

• Job alert or watcher tools that scrape or run searches
• Auto-refresh and tab reload tools, and page monitors that poll for changes
• Macro or RPA recorders that replay clicks, and user-script managers
• Auto-paging or infinite-scroll helpers that preload results
• Multi-site research tools that fire queries across many sites
• Anything that sends requests to Upwork while the tab is idle

Upwork says these can resemble data scraping, that its systems detect them automatically, and that it will not make exceptions. Its advice is to disable them before using Upwork.

A practical test. An extension that works only on text you paste into it, such as a grammar checker, never talks to Upwork. One that reads Upwork pages, fills the proposal form or clicks for you is acting on your account, and your account carries the consequence. The same reasoning applies to an extension sold as an auto-bidder or a job alert replacement.

How Upsight uses it. Upsight is a web app, not a browser extension, and installs nothing in the browser of anyone in the workspace.