Google’s newest crackdown on browser extension has rendered standard advert blockers like uBlock Origin inoperable on Chrome, as the corporate pushes ahead with its change to Manifest V3.
The transfer, which critics say weakens privateness protections, impacts all Chromium-based browsers, together with Microsoft Edge. In the meantime, Firefox is doubling down on its dedication to ad-blocking instruments, promising to assist each Manifest V2 and V3, making certain customers retain management over their looking expertise.
Manifest V3 is the most recent model of Chrome’s extension framework however it has faced criticism for slicing off entry to a few of advert blockers’ performance. It serves as the inspiration for WebExtensions, which energy browser APIs.
Google has defended Manifest V3, calling it “step one in our platform imaginative and prescient to enhance the privateness, safety, and efficiency of extensions.”
Why gained’t uBlock Origin work on Chrome?
uBlock Origin, a well-liked and extremely customizable open supply advert blocker, beforehand functioned on Manifest V2 by way of a characteristic known as blockingWebRequest. Chrome has changed blockingWebRequest with declarativeNetRequest, which restricts how extensions work together with net content material.
Google first introduced its plan to finish assist for extensions utilizing Manifest V2 specs in late 2023. A sequence of updates in early March additional disabled extensions like uBlock Origin.
SEE: This Mac malware poses as a Safari or Chrome replace.
Firefox will assist each Manifest V2 and Manifest V3
In the meantime, Mozilla says its Firefox browser will assist each Manifest V2 and Manifest V3.
Mozilla Firefox held simply 3.7% of the browser market in September 2024, however its devoted person base prioritizes privateness and operability. Firefox has strong built-in advert blocking in addition to supporting extensions like uBlock Origin. That loyal group has intently monitored modifications to Firefox’s authorized phrases of use, which Mozilla up to date earlier this week to make clear it doesn’t personal customers’ content material.
Firefox is standing agency in its dedication to privateness instruments by permitting each blockingWebRequest and declarativeNetRequest.
“Extra instruments for builders means more choice and innovation for customers,” wrote Scott DeVaney, employees editorial supervisor for Firefox add-ons, and Ed Sullivan, group and developer relations supervisor for add-ons at Mozilla. “Giving folks selection and management on the web has at all times been core to Mozilla. It’s all about ensuring customers have the liberty to form their very own experiences on-line.”