[Bug] Claude in Chrome: CRX_FILE_NOT_READABLE - Cannot install from Chrome Web Store since Dec 18 update

Description

Cannot install Claude in Chrome extension from Chrome Web Store.
Error: CRX_FILE_NOT_READABLE

The extension package appears to be unreadable/corrupted on Google's servers. Third-party CRX extraction tools (crxextractor.com, crx4chrome.com, crxdown.com) also fail to download the package, returning 404 errors.

Environment

• Browser: Google Chrome (latest stable)
• OS: macOS
• Claude plan: Max

What I've tried

• Reinstalled Chrome completely
• Cleared browser cache
• Created new Chrome profile (no Google account)
• Tried VPN (different regions)
• Tried multiple CRX extraction tools - all fail to download the package
• Tried Chrome Beta

Notes

• Other Chrome extensions install without any issues
• Extension was last updated December 18, 2025
• Issue started after that update
• The December 18 update was a major release (beta opened to all paid subscribers)

Expected behavior

Extension should install from Chrome Web Store without errors.

Actual behavior

Chrome shows CRX_FILE_NOT_READABLE error when attempting to install.