Google Chrome warns uBlock Origin may soon be disabled

Google Chrome has issued a warning to users of the uBlock Origin ad blocker, indicating that they should consider switching to alternative ad blockers as support for Manifest v2 (MV2) extensions will soon be discontinued. The lead developer of uBlock Origin, Raymond Hill, noted that the extension is based on MV2, and there is currently no version compatible with the new Manifest v3 (MV3) standard. As a result, Chrome will suggest alternatives such as uBlock Origin Lite, Adblock Plus, and Ghostery. This warning appears on the chrome://extensions page for all MV2 extensions following the update to Chrome version 127. Google plans to disable MV2 extensions gradually over the coming months, directing users to the Chrome Web Store for MV3 alternatives. Although users will temporarily be able to re-enable their MV2 extensions, this option will eventually be removed. The transition to MV3 is expected to be completed by early 2025, with enterprise users facing a similar deprecation starting in June 2025. The introduction of MV3 has posed challenges for extension developers, particularly those creating ad blockers, as it limits their capabilities. Hill has provided a FAQ to clarify the differences between the original uBlock Origin and the new Lite version designed for MV3 compliance.