Why uBlock Origin Users May Need to Switch: The Impact of Manifest V3
If you're anything like me, you probably can't stand those annoying ads that clutter up your browsing experience.
That's why we rely on awesome ad blockers like uBlock Origin to keep things clean and efficient for browsing the web in general, though I disable ad blockers on reputable websites I trust, because ad dollars keep them online.
Lately, there's been some buzz about Manifest V3, a new update to Google's Chrome browser that affects how browser extensions, like those we use to block ads.
Manifest V3 does not support some ad blockers, and since it breaks how some of these extensions work, the creators would need to rebuild, which the creator of UBlock Origin refuses to do.
So, what's the deal with Manifest V3, and what does it mean for uBlock Origin users? Let's break it down:
Manifest V3: A New Sheriff in Town
Essentially, Manifest V3 is a set of rules that dictate how browser extensions interact with websites.
Unfortunately, these new rules put some pretty hefty limitations on content blockers, making it harder for them to do their job.
Trouble in Paradise for uBlock Origin
Steve Gibson quoted the developers of uBlock Origin on the latest Security Now podcast. Simply put, Manifest V3 could make it "much more difficult, if not impossible" for the extension to work how we're used to. Why? Because it restricts how much control extensions have over what loads on a web page.
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Chrome's Ominous Warning
If you're a Chrome user, you might have already seen this warning pop up:
"uBlock Origin: This extension may soon no longer be supported. Remove or replace it with similar extensions from the Chrome Web Store."
Yikes! But before you panic, let's take a deep breath and explore our options.
uBlock Origin Lite: A Compromise
To address the challenges of Manifest V3, the developer of uBlock Origin, the brilliant Raymond Hill, created a lighter version called uBlock Origin Lite. It follows the new rules but with fewer features. It's still effective, but not as powerful as before. Will you notice the difference? That depends on if you use all of uBlock Origin's features or not.
The Choice is Yours
Here's the catch: uBlock Origin won't automatically upgrade to the Lite version because, as Hill explained, they are "simply too different". This leaves users with a choice: stick with the original uBlock Origin until it stops working, or switch to uBlock Origin Lite.
Should We Abandon Chrome?
The frustration is real, folks! Many users are so fed up with these changes that they're considering ditching Chrome altogether. For now, browsers like Firefox and Brave are sticking with Manifest V2, allowing us to keep using browser extensions like the full-fledged uBlock Origin.
As Steve Gibson, the host of the Security Now podcast, put it: “I cannot imagine not having uBlock Origin filtering the mess that the internet has become."
What's Next for Ad Blocking?
The shift to Manifest V3 highlights the ongoing battle between users who want control over their browsing experience and corporate interests.
But don't despair! You can continue to use uBlock Origin for now, the Lite version, or a different browser.
It's worth noting here that Google is giving enterprises until June 2025 to start using Manifest V3. A fix has been developed for regular users to take advantage of that delay as well and end Chrome's nags to stop using Manifest V3 extensions until then.
Steve Gibson has provided the fix via a registry file (direct download) that can be downloaded and run. You can trust it, but you'll see some warnings to confirm you want to make the changes. It does work. To be clear, neither he nor I take responsibility for anything you do on your computer.
Steve also quotes an excellent article on Neowin about this.
PLEASE NOTE: Under NO circumstances do I recommend ANYONE dive into the Registry and make manual changes. However, running this ".reg" file from Steve Gibson is completely safe. It will make the changes for you.
The internet constantly evolves, but we can adapt and fight for a cleaner, ad-free browsing experience! What will you choose to do? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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