Google Chrome is set to eliminate the final loopholes that have allowed older ad blockers to function, with versions 150 and 151, scheduled for release in late June and July respectively, marking the end of support for these workarounds. This move follows Google’s earlier decision to phase out support for ad-blocking extensions built on the Manifest V2 platform, a process that began in 2024.
As a result of these upcoming updates, only ad blockers designed for the newer Manifest V3 platform will be compatible with Chrome version 151 and beyond. Users who previously relied on Manifest V2 ad blockers, such as uBlock Origin, likely transitioned to Manifest V3-compatible versions like uBlock Origin Lite or opted for alternative browsers.
End of an Era for Manifest V2 Extensions
The latest developments involve Google removing the last vestiges of code that reference its previous Manifest V2 extensions platform. This means that any functionality tied to Manifest V2 will cease to operate within the browser.
Devlin Cronin, a Google developer, explained the rationale behind this technical cleanup in a comment on a Chromium commit. Cronin stated that Manifest V2 extensions are no longer permitted in any supported version of Chrome, and the company is withdrawing support and associated functionalities. He cited the complexity, technical debt, and security risks as reasons for not maintaining this older functionality indefinitely, noting that recent bugs specific to Manifest V2 had been discovered.
Implications for Users
While Google is discontinuing support for Manifest V2 in Chrome, Cronin acknowledged that other browsers may choose to continue supporting these older extensions if they wish. The ongoing shift in Chrome signifies a broader industry trend towards more standardized and potentially more secure browser extension frameworks, with Manifest V3 aiming to enhance user privacy and security by limiting the capabilities of extensions.
Norman Pearlstine is the Chief Editor of News Raise and focuses on Business news. His responsibility is to oversee the editorial content including business, commodities, personal investments and the stock market.
