Google Chrome’s uBlock Origin phaseout has begun
- Google Chrome has started disabling the uBlock Origin extension as it transitions to Manifest V3.
- The new specification limits the functionality of ad blockers, leading to the introduction of uBlock Origin Lite.
- By early 2025, all extensions using the outdated Manifest V2 will be completely disabled.
In October 2024, Google Chrome began disabling the uBlock Origin extension as part of its transition to the new Manifest V3 specification. This change affects users of the popular ad blocker, which was developed by Raymond Hill. The transition to Manifest V3 restricts certain functionalities of extensions, including the ability to load code from remote servers, which may impact the effectiveness of ad blockers. In response, Hill has introduced uBlock Origin Lite, designed to comply with the new specifications, but users must install it manually as it differs significantly from the original version. The limitations of Manifest V3 mean that uBlock Origin Lite may not perform as effectively against websites employing anti-ad-blocking measures, leading to potential user dissatisfaction. Google has indicated that by early 2025, all extensions using the outdated Manifest V2 will be completely disabled, pushing developers and users towards the new framework.