Recently, uBlock Origin, a popular ad-blocking extension, has started to disappear from the Chrome Web Store. The extension's page now shows that it's unavailable due to not complying with Google’s “best practices” for add-ons. However, users in the European Union can still access the page, and some may still have the extension installed.
Google is transitioning from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3, a change that started in 2018. This update affects how extensions, especially ad blockers like uBlock Origin, interact with the browser. Manifest V3 introduces new restrictions that limit the access extensions have to web data, making it harder for ad blockers to work effectively. As a result, uBlock Origin could soon stop functioning on Chrome, forcing users to seek alternatives.
Extensions that are based on Manifest V3, like uBlock Origin Lite and AdGuard, offer limited ad-blocking capabilities compared to their predecessors. However, Google is offering an enterprise policy called ExtensionManifestV2Availability, which allows users to continue using Manifest V2-based extensions like uBlock Origin until June 2025. After that, the extension will likely stop working on Chrome.
Other browsers like Opera and Vivaldi, which are also based on Chromium, have stated they will continue supporting Manifest V2 for now. However, they may face challenges keeping the older technology functional in the future.
For users who want the most effective ad-blocking experience, switching to Mozilla Firefox may be the best option. According to the developers of uBlock Origin, Firefox will continue to support Manifest V2, allowing users to enjoy the full functionality of the extension without the limitations imposed by Google’s Manifest V3.
In summary, while Chrome users may soon lose access to powerful ad blockers like uBlock Origin, there are still options available. Switching to a Manifest V3-based ad blocker or moving to a browser like Firefox that supports Manifest V2 can help maintain a smooth ad-blocking experience.