Chrome Web Store warns end is nigh for uBlock Origin

Google's Chrome Web Store has issued warnings to users of the popular ad-blocking extension uBlock Origin (uBO) that it may soon cease to function. This alert follows the stable release of Chrome 127 on July 23, 2024, which expanded the warning to all users. The notification indicates that uBO does not comply with the best practices for Chrome extensions, but the real issue lies in the upcoming discontinuation of support for Manifest v2, the framework that uBO relies on. The extension's creator, Raymond Hill, has stated he will not adapt uBO to the new Manifest v3, which limits the capabilities of extensions, particularly in content filtering. Users are advised to seek alternatives before uBO becomes unusable. The transition to Manifest v3, initiated by Google in 2018, aims to enhance security and performance but has raised concerns about the effectiveness of content-blocking extensions. Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the impending changes, with some threatening to switch to other browsers if uBO is removed. The timeline for the complete phase-out of Manifest v2 support remains unclear, but the warning suggests that the end is imminent.

- Google warns uBlock Origin users of potential discontinuation due to Manifest v2 phase-out.

- Raymond Hill, uBO's creator, will not adapt the extension to the new Manifest v3.

- Users are encouraged to find alternatives before uBO stops functioning.

- Manifest v3 limits the capabilities of content-blocking extensions for security and performance reasons.

- Many users are unhappy with the changes and may switch to other browsers.