Google Chrome users may need to consider switching to alternative ad blockers as uBlock Origin may no longer be supported in the browser. Due to Google’s enforcement of Chrome Manifest V3, uBlock Origin is advising users to explore other options.
uBlock Origin Support Ending for Google Chrome
Recent updates on the GitHub page reveal that uBlock Origin will no longer be available for Google Chrome users. Starting from Chrome 127, users will receive warnings about this change on the chrome://extensions/ page.
The ad blocker team notified users in advance about the discontinuation of uBlock Origin due to the deprecation of Chrome Manifest V2.
For users, uBlock Origin offers uBO Lite (uBOL) as a lighter version of the extension that complies with Manifest V3. However, achieving this compliance with the original extension would require sacrificing many features. As explained,
uBO Lite (uBOL) is a simplified version of uBO that attempts to convert filter lists used by uBO into a Manifest V3-compliant approach, focusing on reliability and efficiency as has been the case since its inception in June 2014. However, the emphasis on reliability and efficiency in a Manifest V3 environment meant having to forego many features beyond those not feasible within a Manifest V3 framework.
After the support ends, uBO will not automatically transition to uBOL. Users will need to manually install uBOL (or another ad blocker of their choice) on their browsers.
While the extension will no longer be available on Chrome, it can still be used on other browsers that support Manifest V2, such as Mozilla Firefox.
Google introduced Manifest V3 in 2018, officially launching it in 2019 as a more stringent policy for browser extensions. As the implementation progressed, add-on developers were given time to update their extensions to comply with MV3. The firm confirmed that add-ons, especially ad blockers, failing to meet the requirements would lose support. This change is now evident as uBlock Origin is notifying users about the end of support for the Chrome browser.
Chrome users using this ad blocker are advised to explore alternatives to ensure an ad-free browsing experience. Utilizing ad blockers is crucial in light of the increasing instances of malvertising and web tracking that pose threats to user privacy.
We welcome your thoughts in the comments section.
