Google is turning off the popular uBlock Origin ad blocker in Chrome, forcing users to switch to a less capable version or find a new browser. This move is part of Chrome's transition to Manifest V3, a new extension standard that prioritizes privacy and security but restricts ad-blocking functionality.
Google is disabling the original uBlock Origin ad blocker for a growing number of Chrome browser users, along with other extensions that are no longer supported as the browser transitions to its new extension specification, Manifest V3 . Google states that the new standard aims to enhance privacy and security, but it also removes a feature that some ad-blocking extensions relied upon to function – a compromise that Mozilla is unwilling to make for its own Firefox browser.
Users online are reporting on platforms like Reddit and X that Chrome is removing outdated extensions. In Chrome, a notification window appears beneath the extensions tab on the browser taskbar, prompting users to remove the affected add-on. The message states that it has been turned off and is “no longer supported.” Two buttons are provided, allowing users to either quickly delete or manage their extensions. Google's uBlock Origin phaseout on Chromium-based browsers initiated in October but has begun to have a more widespread impact in recent weeks. Bleeping Computer has also reported that extensions on staff devices are being disabled, and Verge staff members have observed similar updates on their own machines. These changes coincide with Google's migration of Chrome away from the now-obsolete Manifest V2 specification. Support is being discontinued not only for uBlock Origin but for any extension that has not (or is unable to) update to Manifest V3. uBlock Origin users can switch to uBlock Origin Lite, which has more limited filtering capabilities than its predecessor due to Manifest V3's ad-blocking restrictions. Chrome won't be the only service impacted by the Manifest V3 rollout – other Chromium-based web browsers like Microsoft Edge are also losing V2 support, and Brave states that it can only offer “limited” support once all Manifest V2 items are removed from the Chrome Web Store. Mozilla, however, says that Firefox will continue to offer both extension specifications, potentially providing uBlock Origin users with a new browser to consider
Google Chrome Ublock Origin Manifest V3 Ad Blocker Browser Extensions
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