TL;DR
Google Chrome has begun removing support for Manifest V2 extensions, which disables uBlock Origin bypasses. Edge and Opera are likely to follow, affecting users relying on these workarounds. The change reflects Chrome’s transition to Manifest V3, raising questions about ad blocker effectiveness.
Google Chrome has begun the process of removing support for Manifest V2 extensions, which effectively ends the ability of popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin to bypass certain restrictions. This change, confirmed by Chrome developers, is part of the browser’s transition to Manifest V3, and it is likely that other Chromium-based browsers such as Edge and Opera will follow suit, impacting users’ ability to use certain ad-blocking workarounds.
Recent updates from the Chromium project confirm that Chrome has started disabling key flags that allowed MV2 extensions to operate beyond standard support. The flag kExtensionManifestV2Disabled has been removed, which means that Chrome will no longer support MV2 extensions in supported versions, including uBlock Origin and similar tools that relied on bypass techniques.
Chromium engineer Devlin Cronin explained that maintaining MV2 support has become increasingly difficult due to technical complexity, security concerns, and bugs specific to MV2. As a result, support for MV2 extensions is being phased out in Chrome versions 150 and 151, with the removal of related options such as ExtensionManifestV2Unsupported and AllowLegacyMV2Extensions.
While the removal is specific to Chrome, other browsers based on Chromium, including Opera and Microsoft Edge, are expected to follow. Opera, for example, has reportedly informed developers that support for MV2 will be discontinued, and the company is urging extension developers to transition to Manifest V3. Some Chromium browsers like Brave and Vivaldi may continue supporting MV2 for now, but this support is not guaranteed long-term. Firefox, which is not based on Chromium, supports both MV2 and MV3, providing an alternative for users seeking consistent extension functionality.
Impact on Ad Blocker Functionality and User Privacy
This development significantly affects users relying on uBlock Origin and similar extensions to block ads and trackers, particularly those who used bypass techniques to circumvent restrictions. The end of MV2 support limits the ability of these extensions to operate effectively, potentially reducing ad blocking efficacy and impacting user privacy. It also signals a broader shift in browser extension architecture aimed at enhancing security, but with trade-offs for customization and ad-blocking workarounds.
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Transition from Manifest V2 to V3 in Chromium Browsers
The move away from Manifest V2 has been in progress for some time, with Chrome gradually deprecating support since early 2024. The transition aims to improve browser security and stability by restricting extension capabilities, but it has also led to widespread concerns among extension developers and users. Chrome’s latest updates, including version 150 and 151, mark the final phase where MV2 support is being eliminated, forcing extensions to adapt to the newer MV3 architecture.
Opera and Edge, both Chromium-based browsers, had initially committed to supporting MV2 longer but have begun signaling the end of support. Opera, in particular, has informed developers that MV2 extensions will no longer be supported, urging a switch to MV3. The broader industry trend is toward stricter extension controls, with Chrome leading the way.
“The kExtensionManifestV2Disabled feature has been default-enabled for over a year. Remove the feature and the effectively-dead code.”
— an anonymous Chromium developer
uBlock Origin alternative extensions
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Remaining Support in Non-Chromium Browsers and Future Changes
It is still unclear how quickly browsers like Opera and Edge will fully disable MV2 support and whether any will implement alternative workarounds. While Firefox and other non-Chromium browsers continue supporting MV2, the long-term outlook remains uncertain, especially if Chromium browsers accelerate the phase-out or introduce new restrictions.
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Transition Timeline and Extension Developer Actions
Extension developers are advised to update their extensions to Manifest V3 promptly to avoid disruptions. Users should prepare for reduced ad-blocking capabilities on Chrome, Edge, and Opera as support for MV2 is phased out. The next major Chrome update, expected in late 2026, will likely finalize the removal of MV2 support, and ongoing updates from browser vendors will clarify the timeline.
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Key Questions
Will uBlock Origin continue working on Chrome?
It is unlikely that uBlock Origin will continue working on Chrome once MV2 support is fully removed, as bypass techniques rely on MV2 features that are being deprecated.
Can I still use uBlock Origin on other browsers?
Yes, browsers like Firefox support both MV2 and MV3, and some Chromium browsers like Brave and Vivaldi may continue supporting MV2 for a while.
What should extension developers do now?
Developers should update their extensions to Manifest V3 as soon as possible to ensure compatibility with future browser updates.
Why is support for MV2 being removed?
Chromium developers cite security concerns, technical complexity, and bugs as reasons for discontinuing MV2 support.
How will this affect my browsing experience?
Users may experience reduced ad-blocking effectiveness, especially if they relied on bypass techniques or workarounds that are no longer supported.
Source: Hacker News
