Google Phases Out Support for Manifest v2

Recently, Google has started removing extensions for its Chrome browser that rely on an outdated system known as Manifest v2. Many users may have already noticed this change, especially if they used popular content-blocking tools like uBlock Origin, which has had its functionalities limited as part of this transition.

In June 2024, Google began warning users that support for Manifest v2 would soon end. Since uBlock Origin relies on this older system, Google has been moving users towards using Manifest v3 instead. This new version is built to enhance the browser’s security, privacy, and overall performance. However, these improvements also mean that certain extensions, particularly ad-blockers, will face challenges because of new restrictions on how they operate.

One of the standout issues with this shift is related to the webRequest API, a tool that many extensions like uBlock Origin utilize to stop unwanted content from appearing on your screen before it even loads. With the updated Manifest v3 rules, using this API has become more complicated, and developers will have to find new ways to achieve similar results, but these alternatives might not be as effective.

Starting in October 2024, Google started disabling any extensions that were still using Manifest v2 on the stable version of Chrome. They indicated this process would happen gradually over several weeks. This means that for users of popular ad-blockers and privacy tools, frustration is likely to increase as their tools stop functioning as expected.

However, there’s a bit of good news for businesses. They will still have access to Manifest v2 extensions until June 2025, thanks to a special policy in place for enterprise users.

For those who are affected and reliant on ad-blocking tools, there are a few alternatives available. One option is to switch to another browser type, such as Firefox, which still supports Manifest v2 extensions. Users might also explore different extensions, such as uBlock Origin Lite, even though these options may not provide the same level of protection against ads.

The transition from Manifest v2 to v3 has been anticipated for some time, but it still catches many users off guard. This change is significant for developers and users alike, putting pressure on those who have relied on v2 tools. For IT administrators in businesses who have been using the extension policy to extend the life of their extensions, it’s clear that there is limited time left to transition smoothly before they need to find new solutions.

As this change continues to unfold, Chrome users will need to adapt to the new landscape of extensions, either looking for alternatives or adjusting to potentially reduced functionality for the tools they depend on. The move is all part of Google’s larger strategy to ensure a safer and better-performing browser, but it highlights the challenges that come with such significant updates.