Google Chrome Eliminates Manifest V2 Workarounds, Impacting Extensions Like uBlock Origin
Google Chrome has removed workarounds that allowed users to install Manifest V2 extensions, leading to the unavailability of extensions such as uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store. This development follows Chrome's multi-year transition to Manifest V3, which renders older extensions incompatible. While Chromium-based browsers still have the option to support Manifest V2 extensions, their long-term commitment to doing so remains to be seen.
Google Chrome has ceased supporting methods that previously allowed users to install Manifest V2 extensions. As a direct consequence, uBlock Origin, a widely used extension, is no longer available for installation through the Chrome Web Store.
This action is part of Chrome's ongoing deprecation of Manifest V2 in favor of Manifest V3, a process that began several years ago. The shift was intended to eventually make extensions built on Manifest V2 incompatible with the browser.
Previously, users could circumvent these restrictions by utilizing various workarounds, including specific Chrome flags. However, the Google Chrome team has now begun removing these flags, thereby eliminating the means to enable Manifest V2 extensions.
Chrome developer Devlin Cronin confirmed this change by posting a commit to the Chromium project, which specifically removes the “kExtensionManifestV2Disabled feature.”
While other Chromium-based browsers theoretically retain the ability to support Manifest V2 extensions, it is currently unclear whether they will continue to offer this compatibility in the long term. (Source: Android Authority)
