Google Chrome to End Support for Legacy Ad Blockers with Upcoming Update
Google Chrome is set to remove its final remaining workarounds for Manifest V2 extensions, a move that will effectively cease support for legacy ad blockers, including the original uBlock Origin. This change stems from the removal of the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag in Chromium, which had previously served as a loophole for these extensions. Google cites complexity, technical debt, and security risks as reasons for discontinuing support for Manifest V2.
Google Chrome will no longer support legacy ad blockers after upcoming updates remove the final workarounds for Manifest V2 extensions. This change will impact popular tools such as the original uBlock Origin.
The removal of support is tied to a recent Chromium commit that eliminates the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag. This flag, referred to as "dead code," had allowed Manifest V2-based ad blocker extensions to continue functioning despite Google's broader deprecation of the Manifest V2 platform.
A Googler explained that Manifest V2 extensions are no longer permitted in any supported version of Chrome. The company is ceasing support due to concerns over complexity, technical debt, and security vulnerabilities specifically found within Manifest V2. While the change affects Chromium-based browsers, other browsers retain the option to continue supporting Manifest V2 if they choose.
Reports indicate that Microsoft Edge and Opera, both Chromium-based browsers, are likely to follow suit. Chrome 150, scheduled for release later this month, will remove the aforementioned flag. Any remaining components of Manifest V2 are slated for removal in the subsequent Chrome 151 release.
According to Slashdot, the initial reports were sourced from 9to5Google, which cited a CyberNews analysis of the Chromium commit.
