TL;DR
Google Chrome has begun removing support for Manifest V2 extensions, effectively ending uBlock Origin workarounds. Edge and Opera are expected to follow. This change impacts ad blocker effectiveness on these browsers.
Google Chrome has officially begun removing support for Manifest V2 extensions, ending the ability for uBlock Origin and similar ad blockers to use workarounds. This development, confirmed by Chromium engineers, signals the imminent cessation of many extension bypass techniques on Chrome, with Edge and Opera likely to follow soon.
Recent updates from Chromium developers indicate that Chrome has started removing the feature flags that enabled support for Manifest V2 (MV2) extensions, such as kExtensionManifestV2Disabled. The removal of this flag and related code means that extensions relying on MV2, including uBlock Origin, will no longer function as intended on Chrome. Chromium version 150 has already lost the ExtensionManifestV2Disabled option, and version 151 will eliminate additional support options, effectively ending MV2 extension support in supported Chrome versions.
According to a statement from a Chromium engineer, maintaining MV2 support is no longer feasible due to technical complexity, security concerns, and bugs specific to MV2. The decision is part of Chrome’s transition to Manifest V3 (MV3), which introduces stricter extension security and performance standards. While some workarounds, such as registry modifications, temporarily extended MV2 support, these will cease functioning after Chromium version 151.
Other Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Microsoft Edge are expected to follow Chrome’s lead. Opera, which had committed to supporting MV2 until October 2024, has reportedly begun disabling MV2 support, with developers noting that Opera plans to abandon MV2 extensions entirely. Meanwhile, Edge has already started disabling uBlock Origin since February, and support for MV2 in Edge is likely to end soon.
Only a few browsers, such as Brave and possibly Vivaldi, currently support MV2 fully. Mozilla Firefox remains unaffected, supporting both MV2 and MV3, making it a viable alternative for users seeking more flexible extension support.
Impact on Ad Blockers and User Privacy
This change is significant because it effectively ends the ability for popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin to bypass Chrome’s extension restrictions. As a result, users relying on these workarounds may experience reduced ad-blocking effectiveness, impacting online privacy and ad revenue models. The shift to MV3 aims to enhance security but also limits extension flexibility, raising concerns among users and developers about the future of ad-blocking tools and browser customization.
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Transition from Manifest V2 to V3 in Chromium Browsers
The move away from Manifest V2 has been underway for months as part of Chrome’s security and performance upgrade. MV2 extensions have historically allowed more flexible and powerful ad-blocking techniques, including bypasses that circumvent restrictions. Chrome’s deprecation process accelerated with the removal of support flags in recent versions, culminating in the final phase where MV2 extensions are no longer supported. Opera and Edge, both Chromium-based, had initially planned to support MV2 longer but are now aligning with Chrome’s policy. Mozilla Firefox remains an alternative browser supporting both MV2 and MV3, unaffected by these changes.
“MV2 extensions are no longer allowed in any supported version of Chrome, and support for them is being removed due to technical and security issues.”
— an anonymous Chromium engineer
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Remaining Uncertainties About Browser Support
It is not yet clear how quickly browsers like Opera and Edge will fully disable MV2 support or whether some browsers might implement alternative bypass methods. The timeline for the complete removal of MV2 extensions across all Chromium-based browsers remains uncertain, and some users may experience disruptions before the transition is fully complete.
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Next Steps for Users and Developers
Users relying on uBlock Origin and similar extensions should prepare for reduced functionality as support ends. Developers are urged to update their extensions to MV3 to ensure continued operation. Browser vendors are expected to finalize the removal of MV2 support in upcoming releases, with Chromium version 151 marking a key milestone. Users should consider switching to browsers like Firefox or Chromium browsers that support MV3, or explore alternative ad-blocking solutions compatible with the new extension framework.
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Key Questions
Will uBlock Origin still work on Chrome after version 151?
No, support for MV2 extensions like uBlock Origin will be discontinued in Chrome version 151 and later, ending most bypass techniques.
Are other browsers like Edge and Opera supporting MV2 extensions?
Edge has already begun disabling uBlock Origin, and Opera plans to abandon MV2 support entirely, aligning with Chrome’s policy.
What are the alternatives for users who want effective ad blocking?
Users can switch to browsers like Firefox that support both MV2 and MV3, or use MV3-compatible extensions such as uBlock Origin Lite, though some features may differ.
Why is Chrome removing MV2 support?
Chrome cites technical difficulties, security concerns, and the need to improve extension security as reasons for transitioning to MV3.
Will this affect other extension functionalities?
Yes, many extensions relying on MV2 features or bypass techniques will lose functionality, impacting user customization and privacy tools.
Source: Hacker News
