TL;DR
Google Chrome has begun disabling support for Manifest V2 extensions, effectively ending uBlock Origin bypasses. Edge and Opera are expected to follow, which could limit ad-blocking options on these browsers.
Google Chrome has officially begun removing support for Manifest V2 extensions, ending the ability for ad-blockers like uBlock Origin to bypass certain restrictions. This move affects not only Chrome but is expected to influence other Chromium-based browsers such as Edge and Opera, potentially limiting user control over ad-blocking workarounds.
Recent updates to Chromium, the open-source project behind Chrome, have led to the deprecation of Manifest V2 (MV2), the extension framework that supported many ad-blocking workarounds. Chromium contributor Andrey Bershanskiy confirmed that support for MV2 is being phased out, with flags like kExtensionManifestV2Disabled removed from recent versions. Google engineer Devlin Cronin explained that maintaining MV2 support is no longer feasible due to technical difficulties, security concerns, and increasing bugs, prompting Chrome to disable MV2 entirely in current and future releases.
Specifically, Chromium version 150 has lost the ExtensionManifestV2Disabled option, and version 151 will remove additional flags like ExtensionManifestV2Unsupported and ExtensionManifestV2Availability. These changes will prevent users from employing tricks—such as registry modifications—to keep MV2 extensions like uBlock Origin operational. As a result, the popular ad-blocker and its bypasses will cease functioning on Chrome.
Other browsers built on Chromium, including Opera and Microsoft Edge, are likely to follow suit. Opera has already communicated to developers that support for MV2 extensions will be dropped, with a move toward Manifest V3 (MV3). A message from Opera’s extensions team urged developers to update their extensions to MV3 to avoid future disruptions. Meanwhile, some browsers like Brave and Vivaldi appear committed to maintaining MV2 support for now, while Mozilla Firefox continues to support both MV2 and MV3.
Impact on Ad-Blocking and User Control
This development significantly affects users relying on uBlock Origin and similar extensions to block ads and trackers, as the workarounds that allowed these extensions to function on Chrome will no longer be available. The move reflects a broader shift towards more restrictive extension frameworks, which could diminish user control and privacy options on Chromium-based browsers. For users and organizations that depend on ad-blockers, this change may require switching browsers or adopting new extension versions, impacting browsing experience and privacy practices.
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Transition from MV2 to MV3 and Browser Support Changes
Support for Manifest V2 was introduced years ago to allow extensions to perform complex tasks, including bypassing certain restrictions. Over time, concerns about security vulnerabilities and technical debt prompted Chrome and other browsers to phase out MV2 support in favor of MV3, which enforces stricter security and performance standards. Chrome began signaling its intent to disable MV2 support as early as 2024, with recent updates confirming the removal of key flags and support options. Opera and Edge, both based on Chromium, had initially committed to supporting MV2 longer but have now indicated plans to deprecate it entirely, aligning with Chrome’s timeline.
Developers of popular ad-blockers like uBlock Origin have expressed concerns over these changes, citing the loss of workarounds that enabled continued functionality despite restrictions. The move is part of a broader industry trend towards tighter extension controls, which many see as a step away from user-centric browsing freedom.
“The removal of support for MV2 extensions on Chrome marks a significant shift in extension architecture, limiting the ability to implement certain workarounds that users have relied on.”
— an anonymous researcher
“Browser developers like Opera and Edge are likely to follow Chrome’s lead, which could further restrict ad-blocking capabilities across the Chromium ecosystem.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Extent of Support Loss in Non-Chrome Browsers
While Chrome has definitively begun removing MV2 support, it remains unclear how quickly and comprehensively other Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Edge will phase out MV2 extensions. Opera has communicated plans to abandon MV2, but the exact timeline and impact on existing extensions are still uncertain. Similarly, Edge’s future support remains unconfirmed, though signs point toward a similar transition. It is also unclear whether any browsers will implement alternative workarounds or maintain partial support for MV2 extensions beyond the official deprecation timeline.
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Upcoming Browser Updates and Developer Actions
Users should monitor updates from their browsers, especially Opera and Edge, regarding MV2 support timelines. Extension developers are encouraged to migrate their extensions to MV3 to ensure continued compatibility. Chrome’s final MV2 releases are expected to be rolled out in the coming months, with full support ending shortly thereafter. Additionally, users seeking to maintain ad-blocking capabilities may consider switching to browsers like Firefox or using MV3-based extensions like uBlock Origin Lite, though these options may have limitations compared to the original versions.
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Key Questions
Will uBlock Origin still work on Chrome after support removal?
Not in its current form. The workarounds that allowed uBlock Origin to bypass restrictions on Chrome will cease to function once MV2 support is fully removed. Users will need to update to MV3-compatible versions or switch browsers.
Are other browsers safe from these changes?
Browsers like Firefox, which support MV2 and MV3, are not affected by Chrome’s deprecation. However, Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Edge are likely to follow Chrome’s lead and phase out MV2 support.
What should extension developers do?
Developers should update their extensions to MV3 to ensure compatibility with upcoming browser updates. Failure to do so may result in extensions becoming non-functional.
Will this affect user privacy?
Yes, the restriction of MV2 extensions and workarounds could limit users’ ability to block ads and trackers, potentially reducing privacy and browsing control.
Source: Hacker News
