The popular uBlock Origin extension, which has an audience of over 30 million users, will soon stop working in Google Chrome. The corresponding “advertisement” has already begun to appear in the browser interface. The creator of the ad blocker confirmed this information and spoke about the future of his brainchild.
Upcoming Changes and Alternatives
The upcoming transition of Chrome from the Manifest V2 to V3 ruleset will change the way API requests are managed, due to which uBlock Origin will be automatically disabled. Now the extension still works, but Google will “fix” this in one of the next browser updates. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments regarding this transition.
As an alternative, the developer of the original extension, Raymond Hill, suggests installing uBlock Origin Lite, which complies with the requirements of Manifest V3. At the same time, the author notes that the new plugin will not be able to completely replace the original – it requires the user to manually configure permissions for each site, which is much less convenient.
“I believe that uBO Lite is too different from uBO to be [its] automatic replacement. You will have to find a replacement for uBO in accordance with what you expect from a content blocker. uBO Lite may or may not live up to your expectations,” the developer said.
Impact on Different Browsers
It’s worth noting that the issue will only affect Google Chrome. The original uBlock Origin extension will continue to work in alternative browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
The transition to Manifest V3 has been a topic of discussion among developers and users alike. While Google claims that the new manifest version improves security and performance, critics argue that it limits the effectiveness of content blockers and privacy-enhancing extensions. As the deadline for the transition approaches, many users are considering their options, whether it’s adapting to new extensions or switching to browsers that continue to support Manifest V2, notes NIX Solutions.
For those who rely heavily on uBlock Origin’s features, the coming changes may require some adjustment. Users may need to explore other ad-blocking solutions or consider using multiple extensions to achieve the same level of content control they’re accustomed to. As the situation develops, it’s important for users to stay informed about their options and the potential impacts on their browsing experience.