Google is removing the popular ad-blocking extension uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store. This change is part of a bigger shift towards using a new system called Manifest V3, which has been in development since 2018. Google claims that this new system improves security, but it also makes it harder for extensions like uBlock Origin to work effectively.
Currently, if you search for uBlock Origin in the Chrome Web Store, you might find it unavailable because it no longer meets Google’s new rules for extensions. However, some users still have access to it, particularly in the EU. For those who already use uBlock Origin, Google has started showing warnings that the extension will soon be outdated.
Under Manifest V3, extensions have limited access to the browser and the web. This is a big issue for ad blockers and security tools because they rely on being able to access data to do their job.
As a result, many developers of popular extensions, including uBlock Origin, may have to stop supporting their products in Chrome. Users will then have fewer options, mainly switching to lighter versions or alternatives like uBlock Origin Lite or AdGuard.
Google has made it clear that it’s pushing ahead with this change, even though it will impact many users. In June, Chrome started showing warning messages about uBlock Origin and other extensions that are built on the older Manifest V2. This has led to what some are calling the “extension apocalypse,” where many useful tools may disappear.
For now, users can still use uBlock Origin until June 2025 thanks to a temporary policy that Google has put in place for businesses. After that, uBlock Origin may no longer work in Chrome, and users will have to find alternatives that fit the new Manifest V3 system.
Some other browsers, like Opera and Vivaldi, plan to keep supporting Manifest V2, which may help users who want to stick with the old ad-blocking methods. Meanwhile, Mozilla Firefox continues to support uBlock Origin and offers a better ad-blocking experience overall. For users looking for effective ad blocking, Firefox might be the best option going forward.
