"You'll have to ask Google that, but they're notoriously bad at replying to stuff like this. Also, we've tried to make StartHQ as bloat free and fast as possible. The amount of code is kept to a minimum and we cache like crazy. We also don't interfere with any of your activities outside of the new tab page in any way. Some extension inject content script and what not, which is really bad form IMO. If you're into coding or want to know how the ext works from a high level, check out the video I link to in another comment here." - Oleg Podsechin