October 13, 2024 at 06:20PM
Google’s Chrome Web Store warns that the uBlock Origin ad blocker may soon be blocked due to the deprecation of the Manifest V2 extension specification in favor of Manifest V3. Users are encouraged to switch to compatible alternatives, as advanced functionality may be limited with new versions. Manifest V2 will remain available until June 2025.
### Meeting Takeaways
1. **Chrome Extension Changes**: Google is warning that uBlock Origin and similar extensions may be blocked due to the deprecation of the Manifest V2 extension specification.
2. **User Notification**: The Chrome Web Store has issued alerts indicating that uBlock Origin may become unsupported because it does not comply with current best practices for Chrome extensions.
3. **Privacy and Security Concerns**: Google states that these measures are intended to enhance user privacy and security by ensuring that extensions meet updated requirements.
4. **Recommended Alternatives**:
– Users are advised to switch to ad blockers that support Manifest V3, such as uBlock Original Lite.
– A significant number of Chrome users have expressed their intention to switch to other browsers if uBlock Origin is blocked.
5. **Technical Background**: The shift from Manifest V2 to V3 has posed challenges for developers of extensions, particularly ad blockers, limiting their capabilities. uBlock Origin’s lead developer, Raymond Hill, noted this transition in relation to alternative versions of the extension.
6. **Usage Timeline for Manifest V2**:
– While Manifest V2 will become deprecated, users can continue to utilize these extensions until June 2025 through the ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy applicable to various operating systems.
7. **Alternative Browsers**: Users can still effectively use uBlock Origin on browsers like Firefox, and both Brave Browser and Vivaldi will continue to support Manifest V2.
8. **Capabilities of uBlock Origin Lite**: The new uBlock Lite version is a simplified alternative that may work for basic needs; however, users requiring advanced features may experience limitations.
9. **Documentation Available**: An FAQ explaining the differences between uBlock Origin and uBlock Lite has been provided for users seeking more information.
### Action Items:
– Users should consider transitioning to Manifest V3-compliant ad blockers.
– Review the FAQ on uBlock Origin for details on functionality differences with uBlock Lite.
– Monitor any updates from Google regarding the Manifest V2 deprecation process.