Google Chrome Begins Phasing Out Popular Ad Blocker uBlock Origin

Users of the popular ad-blocking extension uBlock Origin are starting to see their favorite tool disabled on Google Chrome. This development comes as part of Google’s broader initiative to phase out older Manifest V2 extensions in favor of the new Manifest V3 framework.

The extension’s developer, Raymond Hill, confirmed the change after users reported receiving notifications that uBlock Origin “no longer follows best practices for Chrome extensions.” Chrome is now actively recommending users remove the extension, marking a significant shift in the browser’s relationship with one of the most downloaded ad blockers, boasting over 39 million users.

Background and Timeline

The phase-out process traces back to 2019 when Google initiated efforts to enhance security by limiting third-party extension capabilities. The company officially began implementing these changes in June 2023, with the goal of transitioning all extensions to the Manifest V3 framework.

The announcement has sparked significant user backlash, with many Chrome users expressing intentions to switch to alternative browsers like Firefox or Brave that continue supporting uBlock Origin’s full functionality. Social media platforms have seen numerous posts from disappointed users criticizing Google’s decision.

Google defends the transition, stating that “over 93% of actively maintained extensions in the Chrome Web Store are running Manifest V3, and the top content filtering extensions all have Manifest V3 versions available.” The company emphasizes that ad blocking capabilities remain possible under the new framework.

Alternatives Available

While uBlock Origin Lite, a Manifest V3 compatible version, is available on the Chrome Web Store, developer Raymond Hill acknowledges it cannot match the original extension’s full capabilities. Users seeking comprehensive ad-blocking features may need to explore alternative browsers or different ad-blocking solutions.

Chrome users currently utilizing uBlock Origin should prepare for the extension’s eventual discontinuation. Options include:

• Switching to uBlock Origin Lite
• Exploring alternative ad blockers compatible with Manifest V3
• Considering different browsers that support the original uBlock Origin

This change represents a significant shift in Chrome’s extension ecosystem, potentially affecting millions of users who rely on robust ad-blocking capabilities. The situation continues to develop as users and developers adapt to the new framework requirements.