Some Chrome users have noticed that the uBlock Origin extension no longer works. The developers attribute this to the transition to the Manifest V3 specification, which limits the capabilities of ad blockers and other privacy tools based on the Manifest V2 standard.
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Manifest V3 is a new Chrome browser specification that aims to limit extensions’ access to user network requests, block developers from using remote content, and improve overall browser performance. However, as a result of these changes, the functionality of many extensions, especially those related to ad blocking and privacy protection, is reduced, BleepingComputer explains.
BleepingComputer journalists found that uBlock Origin was automatically disabled on a number of their devices with a notice about the end of support and a suggestion to either uninstall the extension or go to the extension settings page. Mass shutdowns of uBlock Origin and other extensions based on Manifest V2 have also been reported on Reddit.
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Google previously stated that the transition away from Manifest V2 would be gradual. At the same time, the company will provide enterprise customers and some users with the ability to use old extensions until June 2025 using a special group policy. However, for most users, the transition to Manifest V3 has already begun, and Chrome will actively encourage them to use the new extensions.
Alternatively, users can switch to extensions that support Manifest V3, such as uBlock Origin Lite (uBOL), developed by the creator of uBlock Origin. However, this version has less flexible filtering options than the full version of the blocker.
BleepingComputer has sent a request to Google for comment and information on plans for further implementation of Manifest V3, but has not yet received a response.