Google Chrome to End Support for Older Ad Blocker Workarounds
Google Chrome versions 150 and 151, anticipated for release in late June and July respectively, are set to eliminate the remaining workarounds that have allowed older ad blockers to function. This action builds on Google's 2024 phase-out of support for ad-blocking extensions built on the Manifest V2 platform, which included tools like uBlock Origin. As a result, only ad blockers developed for the newer Manifest V3 platform will be supported in Chrome from version 151 onward.
Google Chrome is preparing to remove the final workarounds that have enabled older ad blockers to operate within the browser. This change will be implemented with the release of Chrome versions 150 and 151, which are expected in late June and July, respectively.
This development is a continuation of Google's broader transition away from its Manifest V2 extensions platform. In 2024, Google largely phased out support for ad-blocking extensions built on Manifest V2, affecting popular tools such as uBlock Origin.
Following that initial phase-out, many Chrome users either migrated to newer ad blockers designed for the Manifest V3 platform, like uBlock Origin Lite, or opted to switch to alternative browsers. The upcoming Chrome updates will now remove the last remaining code references associated with the Manifest V2 extensions platform.
Consequently, from Chrome version 151 onward, the browser will only support ad blockers that are built to operate with the Manifest V3 platform.
(Source: The Verge)
