Google Chrome is making significant changes that may impact users’ ability to block advertisements.
According to a recent statement from developer Raymond Hill, known for the popular ad blocker uBlock Origin, Google has started deactivating this crucial extension. Hill revealed that the “deprecation of uBO in the Chrome Web Store has started,” raising concerns among users who rely on ad-blocking tools.
This decision comes after another user shared a screenshot indicating that Google Chrome has disabled several extensions, including uBlock Origin, with a warning that reads, “These extensions are no longer supported. Chrome recommends that you remove them.”
User feedback has been vocal, with one individual expressing frustration: “After more than 15 years, it’s time to switch browsers. I just want Chrome but without nefarious behavior by Google,” prompting inquiries about alternative browsers for macOS.
In August, it was noted that Google Chrome’s shift from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3 is part of a broader strategy that has impacted many extensions. A company spokesperson acknowledged that a significant portion of “actively maintained” extensions already utilizes Manifest V3, claiming that all leading content filtering extensions have compatible versions available.
This development isn’t unexpected, given Google’s recent actions against ad blockers across various platforms, including YouTube.
For those seeking a more ad-blocker-friendly experience, switching to alternative browsers like Brave may be a viable option.
UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2024, 4:23 p.m. EDT The headline has been updated to specify which ad blocker has been affected.
