[HIB]Google makes Chrome devs dig into pockets

[newsbot]

Google on Thursday announced it would require new Chrome extension developers to pay a one-time $5 registration fee as a way to stymie malicious add-ons for its browser. The company also launched a preview of its Chrome Web Store, giving developers a chance to experiment with the online mart before it goes public later this year. Developers can use the store to give away or charge for their browser extensions, themes and Web apps. "[The signup fee] is intended to create better safeguards against fraudulent extensions in the gallery and limit the activity of malicious developer accounts," said Gregor Hochmuth , product manager, in a blog post. The payment must be made using Google Checkout, which links payments to a credit card, effectively creating a paper trail to the developer, or at least to the billing address and phone number recorded by the credit card company.

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