Google Chrome's Next Update Will Mark the End of Popular Ad Blockers
4 hours ago
- #Manifest V2
- #Ad Blockers
- #Google Chrome
- Google is removing the final workaround for Manifest V2 extensions in Chrome, effectively ending support for legacy ad blockers like uBlock Origin.
- Chromium commit removes the 'kExtensionManifestV2Disabled' flag, described as 'dead code', with Chrome 150 (this month) and v151 phasing out remaining bits.
- Google cites security risks and tech debt as reasons, noting that other browsers (like Edge and Opera) can still support Manifest V2 if desired.
- Discussion highlights alternatives, including Firefox with uBlock Origin, while some Chromium-based browsers (Brave, Vivaldi) have their own ad-blocking systems but may follow Chrome.
- Users express frustration and plan to switch to Firefox or other non-Chromium browsers, criticizing Google's control over the web ecosystem.
- Ad blocking effectiveness with browser extensions is emphasized, alongside network-level solutions like Pi-hole, though limitations are noted.
- Concerns about the broader impact on internet usability and the ethics of ad blocking versus content creator revenue are debated.