Google Chrome's Manifest V3 Update: Impact on Ad Blockers and User Experience

Image credits: Ublock Origin/Raymond Hill

The recent update to Google Chrome's extension platform, Manifest V3, has been making waves in the tech community, particularly among users of ad blockers. The new standard aims to improve privacy and security, but it also removes a feature that some ad blocking extensions relied on to work, causing concerns about the impact on user experience and privacy. Firefox has taken a different approach, choosing to support both Manifest V2 and V3, giving developers more flexibility and keeping powerful privacy tools available to users.

Google began phasing out Manifest V2 last year and plans to end support for extensions built on it by mid-2025. This change has real consequences, with Chrome users already losing access to uBlock Origin, one of the most popular ad blockers, because it relies on a Manifest V2 feature called blockingWebRequest. Google's approach replaces blockingWebRequest with declarativeNetRequest, which limits how extensions can filter content. Since APIs define what extensions can and can't do inside a browser, restricting certain APIs can limit what types of extensions are possible. Privacy and security are at the forefront of this debate, with many users concerned about the potential consequences of this update.

Firefox, on the other hand, will continue supporting both blockingWebRequest and declarativeNetRequest, giving developers more flexibility and keeping powerful privacy tools available to users. This approach is in line with Mozilla's philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of giving people choice and control on the internet. The company's decision to support both extension specifications is seen as a way to ensure that users have access to a wide range of extensions, including those that prioritize security and privacy. Users who are concerned about the impact of Manifest V3 on their ad blocking experience may want to consider switching to Firefox or exploring alternative ad blockers that are compatible with the new standard.

Some popular ad blockers that have already been updated to be compliant with Manifest V3 include AdBlock Plus, AdGuard, and Ghostery. These extensions offer a range of features, including allowlists, blocking of advertising cookies, and protection against malicious websites. However, some users may find that these alternatives are not as effective as uBlock Origin, which is no longer available on Chrome. For those who want to stick with Chrome, there are other options, such as uBlock Origin Lite, which offers a more limited filtering capability due to V3's restrictions. Additionally, users can consider using a VPN or DNS-based blocking to filter out ads at a more fundamental level.

In conclusion, the Manifest V3 update has significant implications for ad blockers and user experience. While Google's approach prioritizes privacy and security, it also limits the functionality of certain extensions. Firefox's decision to support both extension specifications offers an alternative for users who value flexibility and choice. As the tech community continues to evolve, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and their impact on our online experiences. With the rise of technology and the increasing importance of online privacy, users must be aware of the tools and options available to them to protect their personal data and browsing experience.