uBlock Origin and other extensions facing discontinuation

With the switch to Manifest V3, a number of extensions will become unusable. This includes the popular ad blocker uBlock Origin. Google has now pointed this out in a corresponding message. Users will have to look for alternatives until the end of the year.

Chrome updated to version 127

A few days ago, Google released an update for its Chrome browser. Version 127 has been available since then. The update closes several security gaps, which is why users are encouraged to update as soon as possible.

Extension disabling warning

After the update, Chrome is now warning its users that the uBlock Origin extension, a very popular ad blocker, will soon no longer be supported.

This is because the browser is switching from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3. This is the system with which browser extensions work in Chrome. The new version is much more limiting than Manifest V2. In particular, extensions such as ad blockers, which can monitor and modify the browser’s traffic with the websites visited, are severely restricted.

Regarding uBlock Origin, its main developer Raymond Hill says the following:

uBO is a Manifest V2 extension, hence the warning in your Google Chrome browser. There is no Manifest V3 version of uBO, so the browser will suggest alternative extensions as replacements for uBO. uBO Lite (uBOL) is a stripped down version of uBO and is our attempt to convert the filter lists used by uBO to a Manifest V3 compatible approach, with a focus on reliability and efficiency, as has been the case with uBO since its first release in June 2014. Raymond Hill

For other Manifest V2 extensions, there is also a warning on the corresponding subpage of the browser, Bleeping Computer The extensions from LastPass and Social Blade are also affected.

It will end in early 2025

In the official Post from Google The schedule states that all affected extensions will be deactivated over the next few months and users will be advised to use an alternative. Often, however, there may be no adequate alternative. This is especially true when it comes to specialized extensions from small developers. Initially, Manifest V2 extensions can still be temporarily reactivated.

However, this will soon no longer be possible. The changes will be rolled out to all private users bit by bit. The process should then be completely completed by the beginning of 2025. Manifest V3 will then become the mandatory standard for all Chrome extensions. Companies still have a grace period until June 2025