Chrome users have recently been warned by Google that ad blockers, including the extremely popular uBlock Origin, may soon stop working. According to reports, the reason cited was the intended shift from the current extension system, called Manifest V2, to the new system, Manifest V3. This change is scheduled to be implemented fully by early 2025 and has enhancements in security and performance but comes along with new restrictions impacting the functionality of ad blockers.
What is Manifest V3?
Manifest V3 is the next generation of the extension system for Chrome. This new version shall enhance security and boost the performance of browsers by removing some of the broad permissions that extensions had with Manifest V2, hence reducing their capability to read from or modify site data. In relation to ad blockers, this will break some of the advanced functionality they rely on to effectively block ads and manage unwanted content.
Impact on uBlock Origin
One of the largest ad-blockers out there, uBlock Origin, will also be affected. The author of this tool, Raymond Hill, commented that uBlock Origin in its current form cannot work on top of Manifest V3. Instead, Hill announced a lightweight alternative, an uBlock Origin Lite, fully compatible with Manifest V3 and missing some advanced features of the original.
Among other differences in the two versions is that some advanced filters used to replace page content or substitute scripts on sites are not supported in uBOL. These were essential in getting around anti-ad blocker techniques that some sites used.
Alternative Choices for Chrome Users
With these changes, the users would have to opt for other ad blockers. Google Chrome allows some of the options: Adblock Plus, Stands AdBlocker, and Ghostery, which actually have already been pushed to work on Manifest V3. The thing is, those tools may not offer users exactly what protection and efficiency they used to have with uBlock Origin.
What Should Users Do?
For heavy users of ad blockers, it is best to keep tabs on future updates and developments. They can also use alternative browsers like Firefox, which will continue to support Manifest V2 and, by extension, the extensions developed using the same for ad management and blocking unwanted content in a more flexible manner.
In essence, Chrome's new changes in its extension system were a step in accordance with the desire of Google to enhance security and performance. Nevertheless, with these changes, new challenges are created for both extension developers and ad blocker users. Maintaining knowledge of those changes and adapting to the best way to use tools and technologies shall help achieve a better browsing experience.
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