In a significant move impacting users of ad-blocking browser extensions, Google Chrome has initiated the phase-out of uBlock Origin, a popular free ad blocker. The change was first highlighted by Raymond Hill, the developer behind uBlock Origin, who shared a screenshot showing that Chrome is automatically deactivating the extension due to it being “no longer supported.” This shift is part of Chrome’s transition to Manifest V3, a new extension specification that alters how ad blockers function and may diminish their overall effectiveness.
Reacting to these changes, Hill launched uBlock Origin Lite, which aligns with the Manifest V3 framework. However, users must manually install this new extension, as Hill noted that it differs significantly from the original uBlock Origin, making it insufficient as an automatic replacement. Hill outlined this in a detailed FAQ posted on GitHub, emphasizing that users should expect a varying experience when utilizing uBlock Origin Lite based on specific websites and the extension’s settings.
To elaborate, a Manifest file serves as a vital component within a browser, providing comprehensive information regarding an extension, including its name, version, permissions, and compatible browser versions. The update to Manifest V3 brings important changes, such as restricting developers from loading code from a remote server. Consequently, this limitation affects the capacity of ad blockers to effectively filter content.
According to Hill, users of uBlock Origin Lite may experience a marked decrease in filtering capabilities compared to the original version. This decline is attributed to the restrictions surrounding the Declarative Net Request (DNR) API, which affects how effectively the extension can confront websites employing anti-ad-blocking strategies. “In general, uBOL will be less effective at dealing with websites using anti-content blockers or minimizing website breakage because many filters can’t be converted into DNR rules,” stated Hill in his GitHub FAQ.
Google has defended the transition, with spokesperson Scott Westover noting that more than 93 percent of “actively maintained” extensions available in the Chrome Web Store have already adapted to Manifest V3. He pointed out that all major content filtering extensions, including versions of AdBlock, Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin, and AdGuard, are available with Manifest V3 compatibility. This transition is part of a broader strategy, with Google planning a complete rollout of Manifest V3 by early 2025 while starting to deactivate the older Manifest V2 extensions this year, leading to their eventual removal.
As users grapple with these changes, the implications for privacy and internet experiences remain a hot topic of discussion. Ad-blocker users are now left navigating how these adjustments will impact their browsing habits and the overall effectiveness of their preferred extensions. Meanwhile, the tech landscape watches closely as Google implements its new policies, which could shape the future of ad blocking across its prominent Chrome browser.