August 2, 2024 at 04:11PM
Google Chrome is urging uBlock Origin users to switch to other ad blockers before disabling Manifest v2 extensions. This is due to the deprecation of Manifest v2 in favor of Manifest v3. Users are advised to replace uBlock Origin with options such as uBO Lite, Adblock Plus, Stands AdBlocker, or Ghostery. The transition to MV3 is expected to be completed by the start of 2025. Enterprises using MV2 extension availability policy will be exempt until June 2025. The new Manifest V3 platform presents technical challenges for developers and has led to the creation of uBlock Origin Lite.
Based on the meeting notes, Google Chrome is prompting uBlock Origin users who have updated to the latest version to transition to other ad blockers before Manifest v2 extensions are disabled. This is due to Google deprecating support for Manifest v2 (MV2) extensions in favor of Manifest v3 (MV3). uBlock Origin lead developer Raymond Hill has explained that the browser will suggest alternative extensions as replacements for uBlock Origin, as there is no Manifest v3 version of uBlock Origin. Users are advised to switch to uBO Lite, Adblock Plus, Stands AdBlocker, or Ghostery as alternative ad blockers.
The warning for MV3 extensions is now displayed on the chrome://extensions page for all MV2 extensions after updating to Chrome version 127. Google will gradually disable extensions on the MV2 platform and direct users to the Chrome Web Store for recommended Manifest V3 alternatives. The goal is to complete the transition to the MV3 standard by the beginning of 2025. Enterprises using the ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy will be exempt from the browser changes until June 2025, when the Chrome MV2 deprecation enterprise rollout begins.
The rollout of the Manifest V3 extensions platform was announced with the release of Chrome 88 in December 2020. The new framework introduces technical challenges for extension developers, particularly for those requiring greater control over web browser functions such as ad blockers. This has led to the creation of new extensions with limited capabilities, such as uBlock Origin Lite. uBlock Origin’s developer has also created a FAQ explaining the differences between the Manifest V2 extension and the new Lite Manifest V3 version.