Google Chrome has begun warning users to replace the popular ad blocker uBlock Origin, as support for the extension will soon be discontinued.
uBlock Origin is based on Manifest v2, but Google will soon fully phase out support for this version of the manifest, which provides information about the extension, including necessary permissions, architecture, and other data. Instead, Manifest v3 will be implemented.
The issue lies in the fact that there is no version of uBlock Origin that complies with Manifest v3. This was confirmed by the developer of the ad blocker, Raymond Hill. He noted that there is a simplified version called uBO Lite, which has an adapted filter list for compatibility with Manifest v3.
When notifying users about the imminent end of support for uBlock Origin, Chrome redirects them to the Chrome Web Store, where current alternatives are listed: uBO Lite, Adblock Plus, Stands AdBlocker, and Ghostery.
“uBlock Origin is a Manifest v2 extension, which is why Google Chrome is issuing this warning. As of now, there is no uBO version compliant with Manifest v3, so the browser suggests switching to an alternative ad blocker,” Hill explained.
