Google Chrome Manifest V2 support has officially ended — adios uBlock Origin

2 weeks ago 6

(Image credit: uBlock Origin)

Google is finally letting the sun go down on Manifest V2 as it switches to V3, meaning that many apps reliant on V2 will no longer work - including one of the most popular ad blockers, uBlock Origin.

Manifest is part of the Google Chrome browser that governs how browser extensions function, as well as the permissions they are granted. The V3 version of Manifest is not as liberal with its permission grants, rendering many ad blockers and other extensions effectively useless.

Ad blockers have grown in popularity for users looking to speed up the performance of their browsing experience, reduce the amount of data websites collect on them, or simply get rid of clutter displayed on articles. Unfortunately, Chrome generates a hefty sum through advertising which is undercut by ad blockers.

Grin and bear it or time to switch?

uBlock Origin Lite, a barebones version of the main version, will still work with Manifest V3 but will not block every single ad. Those looking to continue using uBlock Origin may want to consider using a different browser.

According to Google, the move to V3 brings additional benefits such as more capabilities, new APIs, and enhanced security. “Manifest V3 removes the ability for an extension to use remotely hosted code, which presents security risks by allowing unreviewed code to be executed in extensions. With this change, an extension can only execute JavaScript that is included within its package and subject to review by the Chrome Web Store,” the Manifest V3 page states.

It is important to note that Manifest V3 is a change to the Chromium engine, but so far only Chrome has removed the ability to use V2, with Microsoft Edge and Opera continuing to offer V2 support with no confirmed dates for a V2 switch off.

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Benedict has been writing about security issues for close to 5 years, at first covering geopolitics and international relations while at the University of Buckingham. During this time he studied BA Politics with Journalism, for which he received a second-class honours (upper division). Benedict then continued his studies at a postgraduate level and achieved a distinction in MA Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy. Benedict transitioned his security interests towards cybersecurity upon joining TechRadar Pro as a Staff Writer, focusing on state-sponsored threat actors, malware, social engineering, and national security. Benedict is also an expert on B2B security products, including firewalls, antivirus, endpoint security, and password management.

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