Chrome’s Manifest V3 Disables uBlock Origin, Impacting Millions of Ad Blocker Users

Google’s transition to Manifest V3 for Chrome extensions is now affecting more users, as the original uBlock Origin and other extensions built on the older Manifest V2 specification are being disabled. Chrome users are receiving notifications that these extensions are “no longer supported,” with options to delete or manage them.

The change impacts one of the web’s most popular ad blockers and highlights a growing divide between browser makers about how to balance security, privacy, and user choice.

What’s Actually Happening?

The Manifest V3 update replaces the Web Request API with the Declarative Net Request API, which limits how extensions intercept and modify network requests. Google says this improves security by reducing the amount of sensitive data extensions can access.

“Core to the changes in Manifest V3 is an update to the Web Request API that limits how much information extensions can collect from users’ browsers,” explains Thomas Maxwell of Gizmodo. The older API “requires users to grant permission for Chrome to pass along all information in a network request, and that can include private data such as emails and photos.”

While Google frames this as a security improvement, the change also weakens ad blockers’ capabilities – especially for tools like uBlock Origin that relied on the older API for advanced filtering.

The Firefox Alternative

Mozilla has taken a different approach with Firefox, supporting both the old and new specifications. As Mozilla explains: “Firefox will continue supporting both blockingWebRequest and declarativeNetRequest — giving developers more flexibility and keeping powerful privacy tools available to users.”

This difference means users who want the full ad-blocking power of uBlock Origin may need to switch browsers. Firefox’s decision to support both standards positions it as a refuge for users who prioritize ad blocking over Chrome’s ecosystem.

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Limited Options for Chrome Users

Chrome users have fewer options:

1. Switch to uBlock Origin Lite, which works with Manifest V3 but has fewer features
2. Try another Manifest V3-compatible ad blocker (with similar limitations)
3. Change the browser to Firefox, which still supports full uBlock Origin functionality
4. Accept reduced ad-blocking capabilities

The “Lite” version lacks custom filters and the element picker that let users block specific parts of websites. These limitations make it harder to block YouTube ads in particular. “The changes will make it harder, but not impossible, to evade advertisements on YouTube,” Maxwell notes.

Broader Impact

This change affects not just Chrome but all Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge. Brave says it can only offer “limited” support once all Manifest V2 extensions are removed from the Chrome Web Store.

The timing is notable as Chrome is part of a Department of Justice antitrust case against Google. Google is appealing this decision in this case.

The Ad Blocker Dilemma

Ad blockers present a complex issue for websites and users alike. While they improve user experience by blocking intrusive ads, they also affect publisher revenue. According to the source material, the FBI has recommended ad blockers as protection against malicious ads, yet websites depend on advertising income.

Google’s business model relies heavily on advertising, raising questions about its motivations. “Considering that Google still generates the vast majority of its revenue from advertising, it is not hard to see other motivations for changes that affect ad-blocking,” Maxwell writes. Google has denied intentionally hindering ad blockers.

As this change rolls out to more users, it may reshape how people access the web and which browsers they choose to use.

FAQs

Why is Google disabling uBlock Origin in Chrome?

Google is transitioning all Chrome extensions to Manifest V3, which it says improves security and privacy. This new specification replaces the Web Request API that uBlock Origin relied on with the more limited Declarative Net Request API. While uBlock Origin Lite works with the new specification, the original version is being disabled.

Will uBlock Origin still work on other browsers?

Yes. Firefox has committed to supporting both Manifest V2 and V3, meaning the full version of uBlock Origin will continue to function on Firefox. Other Chromium-based browsers like Edge and Brave face similar limitations to Chrome.

What’s the difference between uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Lite?

uBlock Origin Lite works with Manifest V3 but lacks advanced features from the original version, including custom filters and the element picker tool that allows users to select specific parts of websites to block. This makes it particularly harder to block YouTube ads effectively.

When will my uBlock Origin extension stop working in Chrome?

Google began phasing out Manifest V2 support in October, but the changes have accelerated in recent weeks. Users are now receiving notifications that the extension has been turned off. The complete timeline for phasing out all Manifest V2 extensions isn’t specified in the source material.

Is Google targeting ad blockers specifically?

Google says the Manifest V3 changes are primarily for security and privacy. However, critics note that since Google earns most of its revenue from advertising, the company has a financial interest in limiting ad blockers. Google has denied intentionally hindering ad blockers.

What options do Chrome users have now?

Chrome users can: 1) Switch to uBlock Origin Lite, which has fewer features but works with Manifest V3; 2) Try another Manifest V3-compatible ad blocker; 3) Change browsers to Firefox, which still supports the full version of uBlock Origin; or 4) Continue using Chrome without robust ad blocking.