Google’s recent enforcement regarding browser extensions has made popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin nonfunctional on Chrome, as the company pushes ahead with its transition to Manifest V3.
This shift, which critics argue diminishes privacy safeguards, impacts all Chromium-based browsers including Microsoft Edge. Meanwhile, Firefox is intensifying its dedication to ad-blocking tools, assuring to accommodate both Manifest V2 and V3, maintaining users’ authority over their browsing encounters.
Manifest V3 is the most recent iteration of Chrome’s extension framework, but it has encountered backlash for limiting access to certain ad blockers’ features. It serves as the groundwork for WebExtensions, fueling browser APIs.
Google has supported Manifest V3, labeling it as “the initial stage in our platform vision to boost the privacy, security, and efficacy of extensions.”
Why is uBlock Origin not functioning on Chrome?
uBlock Origin, a favored and extensively customizable open source ad blocker, formerly operated on Manifest V2 via a function known as blockingWebRequest. Chrome has supplanted blockingWebRequest with declarativeNetRequest, restricting the interactions of extensions with web content.
Google first revealed its decision to cease support for extensions utilizing Manifest V2 specifications in late 2023. A sequence of updates in early March further incapacitated extensions like uBlock Origin.
SEE: This Mac malware pretends to be a Safari or Chrome update.
Firefox will endorse both Manifest V2 and Manifest V3
Conversely, Mozilla states that its Firefox browser will uphold both Manifest V2 and Manifest V3.
Mozilla Firefox possessed only 3.7% of the browser market in September 2024, yet its devoted user base prioritizes confidentiality and functionality. Firefox offers strong built-in ad blocking in addition to supporting extensions like uBlock Origin. This loyal community has vigilantly monitored revisions to Firefox’s terms of use, which Mozilla recently updated to clarify that it does not claim ownership of users’ content.
Firefox is resolute in its dedication to privacy tools by accommodating both blockingWebRequest and declarativeNetRequest.
“Enhanced tools for developers signify greater options and creativity for users,” stated Scott DeVaney, editorial manager for Firefox add-ons, and Ed Sullivan, manager for community and developer relations for add-ons at Mozilla. “Enabling individuals to select and manage their online experiences has always been fundamental to Mozilla. It’s about ensuring that users have the liberty to shape their digital experiences.”
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