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The developers of Chrome extensions will not be able to charge for their creations. Google has confirmed that the recent change came as part of an examination of the Chrome Web Store which experienced the payment system being disparaged. The latest move is considered a dramatic change of heart by the tech giant. Basically, it is an extension of a change that was presented earlier in the year. The suspended the ability to submit new paid-for extensions in March to clamp down on fraudulent extensions. The recent announcement confirms the option will never return. But, Chrome users and developers will not experience much of a difference. Google has confirmed that this change is in effect since March 2020 and is now permanent.
Google has confirmed that paid extensions and in-app purchases have been disabled for six months. The company is disabling the free trial option for extensions in December. It clearly indicated the Try Now button will no longer be shown in the Chrome Web Store. Most developers who already have purchased configured options will be able to make money in this way until the beginning of February 2021. But, existing items and in-app purchases can no longer charge money with Chrome Web Store payments after this time-limit. The change doesn’t mean that developers will not be able to make money through their extensions. However, it will soon no longer be possible to charge for the extension itself.
The tech giant has indicated that developers will be able to migrate to a different payment processor and licensing API if they would like to continue to monetize their work. Google said that the Chrome Web Store licensing API will no longer be available to check the license status of extension users at some point in the future. The company said developers are advised to roll out a replacement payment and licensing system. They should migrate to a new subscription system using OAuth 2.0 authentication and finally publish an updated version of their extensions. It is still to find whether the recent changes from Google will kill off the idea entirely or lead to renewal with paid-for extensions.
