Google has started warning users that popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin may soon stop working on the Chrome browser. This is because Google is moving away from an older system used by extensions, called Manifest V2, and replacing it with a new one, Manifest V3.
When visiting the Chrome Web Store page for uBlock Origin, users now see a message saying the extension may not be supported soon. The warning links to a Google notice explaining that this change is meant to improve user privacy and security. If extensions don’t meet these new rules, Chrome might disable them.
Users have noticed this warning recently and shared their concerns on social media. Some even reported seeing a different message saying the extension is no longer available, though this message may have appeared in error. Google is recommending users switch to other ad blockers that already follow the new Manifest V3 rules, like uBlock Origin Lite.
While uBlock Origin itself isn’t insecure, the issue is that it’s based on the older Manifest V2 system, which Google is phasing out. Developers like Raymond Hill, who created uBlock Origin, have acknowledged this change and explained that the new version, uBlock Origin Lite, has fewer features but is compliant with Manifest V3.
Google began notifying users about these changes earlier this year, suggesting they explore alternative ad blockers. Even though Manifest V2 is set to be fully retired by June 2025, users can still use it until then under a special policy for businesses and certain users.
For those not wanting to switch to Manifest V3 extensions, there are still browsers like Firefox, Brave, and Vivaldi that continue to support uBlock Origin and other Manifest V2-based extensions.
Google says over 93% of extensions on the Chrome Web Store now use Manifest V3, including the top content-blocking tools like AdBlock, Adblock Plus, and uBlock Origin Lite.
