Google’s recent policy changes affecting Chrome’s extension support are about to impact one of the browser’s most widely used ad blockers. With Chrome transitioning from the Manifest V2 to the Manifest V3 framework, many users of popular extensions like uBlock Origin will soon face disruptions.
Manifest V3 is designed to improve browser security and performance by modernizing extension support. However, this shift also renders certain complex features of popular extensions, such as uBlock Origin, incompatible. While uBlock Origin remains functional for now, it will be disabled in future Chrome updates, with a temporary manual reactivation option available before it is fully phased out.
The developer of uBlock Origin has introduced uBlock Origin Lite, a new version compatible with Manifest V3. Although it uses the same core ad-blocking filters, it does not support some advanced features or workarounds against anti-ad-blocking systems. This lighter version has been given a “Featured” badge on the Chrome Web Store, but the developer has indicated that it may not fully meet the needs of all users.
As uBlock Origin continues to function on other browsers like Firefox, Edge, and Opera, Chrome users might need to seek alternative ad blockers or consider switching browsers if they prefer the original extension’s capabilities. Google’s move to Manifest V3 could be seen as part of a broader trend of tightening control over advertising and tracking technologies, following recent controversies in the ad space.