Users of uBlock Origin, a widely used ad blocker, will soon have to say goodbye to it. Google is updating the Chrome manifest from V2 to V3, effectively disabling uBlock Origin along with many other applications. The manifest serves as a technical guideline that controls the permissions and capabilities of browser extensions. With Manifest V3, the options available for extensions, particularly ad blockers, are significantly limited.
Impact on Users
The shutdown of uBlock Origin will impact nearly 40 million users. Currently, the Chrome Web Store is displaying a warning indicating that uBlock Origin may not be supported in the near future.
It's well-known that Google doesn't favor Chrome users employing ad blockers to eliminate lucrative ads. However, the company can't fully prohibit their use. Some Reddit users suggest that Google aims to restrict ad blockers by transitioning to Manifest V3. The tech giant defends this change by highlighting enhancements in security and privacy.
Alternative Solutions
Google has pointed out alternatives such as uBlock Origin Lite, which work with Manifest V3 but don't offer the same effectiveness. This change appears to be unavoidable for Chrome users. Those who prefer to keep using uBlock Origin will need to switch to other browsers like Firefox or Brave.