RE: Accidental Tech Podcast 592, which speculates that macOS Sequoia pre-installs the iCloud Passwords browser extension for Chrome users.

It absolutely does not.

The discussed JSON file supports the user-installable extension communicating with the OS to securely access password data. See https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/concepts/native-messaging

The new Passwords app does encourage Chrome and Edge users to install the extension on first launch, however. Button opens the browser to the relevant Chrome/Edge Web Store page.