Google has recently announced that the widely-used ad blocker, uBlock Origin, may soon face blocking in the Chrome browser as part of the company’s ongoing deprecation of the Manifest V2 extension specification. Users accessing the Chrome Web Store have seen warnings indicating that uBlock Origin might not comply with the latest best practices for Chrome extensions, raising concerns about its future availability. The alert links to a Google support bulletin highlighting that extensions failing to meet updated privacy and security requirements could be disabled, leaving users searching for alternatives.
This shift towards Manifest V3 (MV3) has created significant challenges for developers of browser extensions, particularly those that require more control over web browser functionalities, such as ad blockers. Raymond Hill, the lead developer of uBlock Origin, explained that since the extension is based on Manifest V2, users will receive warnings as Google phases out support. The lack of a Manifest V3 version of uBlock Origin means that users will need to transition to alternative extensions that comply with the new requirements, such as uBlock Original Lite. This change is designed to enhance user privacy and security but raises questions about the functionality and effectiveness of the new ad blockers.
Many Chrome users are expressing their discontent regarding the potential blocking of uBlock Origin, with some considering switching to other browsers if the ad blocker is ultimately disabled. Reports indicate that the warning about uBlock Origin’s potential removal was first noticed on social media platforms before appearing on the Chrome Web Store. Although some users have seen conflicting messages about the status of the extension, it remains clear that the move to Manifest V3 is driving this change. As Google emphasizes the importance of adhering to updated standards, users find themselves at a crossroads.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding uBlock Origin in Chrome, users can continue to utilize the Manifest V2 extension until June 2025, thanks to Google’s ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy. This policy allows enterprise users and others to maintain access to Manifest V2 extensions across various operating systems, including Linux, Mac, Windows, and ChromeOS. While users of uBlock Origin may need to adapt to alternative solutions in the future, the extension remains operational on other browsers such as Firefox, Brave, and Vivaldi, which continue to support Manifest V2. As the landscape of browser extensions evolves, users will need to weigh their options carefully, balancing functionality with the evolving standards set by Google.
