Google Chrome has started phasing out uBlock Origin (uBO), one of the most popular free ad blockers. Raymond Hill, the developer of uBO, shared a screenshot showing Chrome automatically disabling the extension and notifying users that it is no longer supported. This change comes as part of the browser’s transition to a new extension framework, Manifest V3, which significantly limits the capabilities of ad blockers.
Manifest V3 and Its Impact on Ad Blockers
Chrome’s shift to Manifest V3 introduces restrictions that may reduce the effectiveness of several ad blockers, including uBO. In response to these changes, Hill has released a new version called uBlock Origin Lite (uBOL), which is compatible with Manifest V3. However, the developer cautioned users that they must install uBOL manually, stating:
“I believe uBOL is too different from uBO to be an automatic replacement. You will need to find a replacement for uBO based on what you expect from an ad blocker. uBOL may or may not meet your expectations.”
uBOL’s performance varies depending on the websites visited and the extension’s configuration. It tends to be less effective on sites that employ ad blocker bypass techniques. Additionally, Manifest V3’s restrictions on the Declarative Net Request (DNR) API mean that many filters from the original uBO cannot be implemented in the new version, limiting its capabilities, notes NIXsolutions.
Future of Extensions and Alternatives
A Google spokesperson told The Verge that over 93% of actively maintained extensions in the Chrome Web Store already comply with Manifest V3. Popular ad blockers like AdBlock, Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin, and AdGuard have all released Manifest V3-compatible versions, ensuring users still have a variety of options. Google plans to complete the transition to Manifest V3 by early 2025 and will begin disabling extensions built on Manifest V2 later this year.
We’ll keep you updated on further developments as Google continues this transition, helping users find suitable ad-blocking solutions.