https://www.pcmag.com/news/googles-chrome-browser-starts-disabling-ublock-origin

* Skip to Main Content
[ ] Menu

  * #AllAboutEVs
  * #ConnectedTraveler
  * [ ] Best Products
      + The Best Laptops for 2024
      + The Best PCs (Desktop Computers) for 2024
      + The Best Tablets for 2024
      + The Best Phones for 2024
      + The Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2024
      + The Best External Hard Drives for 2024
      + The Best All-in-One Printers for 2024
      + The Best TVs for 2024
      + The Best Headphones for 2024
      + The Best Robot Vacuums for 2024
      + The Best VPN Services for 2024
      + The Best Antivirus Software for 2024
      + The Best Password Managers for 2024
      + The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024
      + The Best Video Editing Software for 2024
      + The Best Graphics Cards for 2024
      + The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024
      + The Best Printers for 2024
      + The Best Monitors for 2024
      + See All Best Products
  * Comparisons
  * Reviews
  * How-To
  * News
  * Opinions
  * Deals
  * [ ] PCs & Hardware
      + Laptops
      + Desktop Computers
      + Tablets
      + Monitors
      + Hard Drives
      + SSDs
      + Network Attached Storage
      + Wi-Fi Routers
      + Wi-Fi Range Extenders
      + Wi-Fi Mesh Networking Systems
      + Printers
      + 3D Printers
      + Scanners
      + Webcams
      + Computer Mice
      + Keyboards
      + Graphics Cards
      + Processors
      + Motherboards
      + PC Cases
  * [ ] Mobile
      + Mobile Phones
      + Wireless Carriers
      + Modems & Hotspots
      + Bluetooth Headsets
      + Mobile Phone Accessories
      + Mobile Apps
      + Android Apps
      + iPhone Apps
      + iPad Apps
  * [ ] Electronics
      + TVs
      + Projectors
      + Media Streaming Devices
      + Headphones
      + Speakers
      + Ebook Readers
      + Cameras
      + Lenses
      + Drones
      + VR
      + Electric & Hybrid Cars
      + Car Accessories
  * [ ] Smart Home
      + Smart Home
      + Home Security
      + Home Security Cameras
      + Robot Vacuums
      + Smart Displays
      + Smart Lighting
      + Smart Locks
      + Smart Plugs
      + Smart Thermostats
      + Smart Lawn Mowers
      + Appliances
      + Connected Kitchen
  * [ ] Health & Fitness
      + Health & Fitness
      + Wearables
      + Fitness Trackers
      + Heart Rate Monitors
      + Smart Scales
      + Medical Alert Systems
  * [ ] Gaming
      + Gaming Hardware
      + Gaming Systems
      + Gaming Controllers & Accessories
      + Games
      + PC Games
      + Microsoft Xbox Games
      + Nintendo Games
      + Sony Playstation Games
      + Mobile Games
      + Game Streaming Services
  * [ ] Software & Services
      + Artificial Intelligence (AI)
      + Operating Systems
      + Productivity
      + System Utilities
      + Photo & Design
      + Education
      + Website & App Building Tools
      + Communications
      + Personal Finance
      + Accounting
      + E-Commerce & Payments
      + Human Resources
      + IT Management
      + Sales & Marketing
      + Streaming Video
      + Streaming Music
      + Dating Apps
      + DNA Testing Kits
      + Meal Kits
  * [ ] Security
      + Security
      + Security Suites
      + Antivirus
      + VPN
      + Password Managers
      + Parental Control
      + Malware Removal
      + Ransomware Protection
  * [ ] Events
      + Amazon Prime Day
      + Apple WWDC
      + Black Friday
      + Black Hat
      + CES
      + Comic Con
      + Computex
      + Cyber Monday
      + E3
      + Google I/O
      + IFA
      + Microsoft Build
      + Mobile World Congress (MWC)
      + Presidents' Day
      + RSAC
      + SXSW
      + Samsung Unpacked
      + Summer of Gaming
  * [ ] Series
      + 5G
      + Accessibility Technology
      + Advertising Content
      + Amplify
      + Android
      + Apple
      + Back to School Tech
      + Business Choice
      + Connected Traveler
      + Fast Forward
      + Fastest ISPs
      + Fastest Mobile Networks
      + Forward Thinking
      + Get Organized
      + Holiday Gift Guide
      + How to Work From Home
      + IT Watch
      + In Depth
      + Moms, Dads & Grads Gift Guide
      + NextCar
      + PCMag Picks
      + PCMag Turns 40!
      + Readers' Choice
      + Refresh Your Tech
      + Retro Computing
      + Rigged Up
      + Robotics
      + Science & Space
      + SecurityWatch
      + TechX Awards
      + The Best of the Year
      + The Pop-Off
      + The Why Axis
      + Weekend Project
      + Windows 11
  * Newsletters

 
PCMag Nav Logo PCMag Nav Logo Hover
PCMag Nav Mobile Logo
#AllAboutEVs #ConnectedTraveler Best Products Comparisons Reviews
How-To News Deals
[                    ]

  * {X-HTML Replaced}

PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy
through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support
our testing.

 1. Home
 2. News
 3. System Utilities
 4. Browsers

Google's Chrome Browser Starts Disabling uBlock Origin

The browser is doing so as part of Google's plan to phase out older
Manifest V2 extensions to bolster Chrome's security. Still, some
uBlock Origin users aren't happy about the change.

 
Michael Kan
By Michael Kan
October 15, 2024
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Social Share
Reddit Pinterest Flipboard LinkedIn Email
Copied
Error!
 
Copy Link
https://www.pcmag.com/news/
googles-chrome-browser-starts-disabling-ublock-origin
Comments
Chrome browser (Photo by Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty
Images)

If you're a fan of uBlock Origin, don't be surprised if it stops
functioning on Chrome. The Google-owned browser has started disabling
the free ad blocker as part of the company's plan to phase out older
"Manifest V2" extensions. 

On Tuesday, the developer of uBlock Origin, Raymond Hill, retweeted a
screenshot from one user, showing the Chrome browser disabling the ad
blocker. "These extensions are no longer supported. Chrome recommends
that you remove them," the pop-up from the Chrome browser told the
user. 

In response, Hill wrote: "The depreciation of uBO in the Chrome Web
Store has started."

    This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has
    been removed.

This occurs when the Chrome Web Store has already been discouraging
users from downloading uBlock Origin, or even delisting the
extension, with a warning that says "it doesn't follow best practices
for Chrome extensions." That said, PCMag was still able to download
and use the extension over Chrome. So the disabling and delisting may
not be wide-scale at the moment. Google didn't immediately respond to
a request for comment.

Still, the phase out has been a long time coming, stretching back to
2019, when Google began work on limiting the capabilities of
third-party Chrome extensions from being used for hacking purposes. A
year ago, the company then decided it'd begin phasing out Chrome
extensions built with the older Manifest V2 system to push software
developers to adopt the more secure Manifest V3 framework.

The phase out officially began this past June, and since then Google
has been ramping up the effort to eventually disable all V2
extensions, including uBlock Origin, despite its sizable user base at
over 39 million downloads. As a result, some Chrome users have been
criticizing Google and plan on ditching Chrome for alternative
browsers, such as Brave or Firefox, that still support uBlock
Origin. 

"Chrome's Manifest V3 update will break uBlock Origin, putting
advertiser's needs above long term users like myself. This was
inevitable, that time has finally come," wrote one user on X/
Twitter. 

But in response to the concerns, Google notes its Manifest V3
framework can still allow developers to create ad blockers for
Chrome. "Over 85% of actively maintained extensions in the Chrome Web
Store are running Manifest V3, and the top content filtering
extensions all have Manifest V3 versions available," the company said
back in May. 

Recommended by Our Editors

 
Close-up on Google app icon logo and name on a black phone home
screen.
Android, Chrome May Split From Google in Antitrust Case
 
Google Chrome
Patch Now: Hackers Found Exploiting Zero-Day Flaw in Chrome Browser
 
A graphical illustration of a login interface.
Chrome Update Makes It Easier to Access Saved Passwords Across
Devices

This includes uBlock's own uBlock Origin Lite, which uses Manifest V3
and has received positive reviews on the Chrome Web Store. Still, the
ad blocker's developer Raymond Hill has said the Lite version can't
match the full capabilities of the original uBlock Origin. Hill has
created an FAQ going over the differences.

In the meantime, the Brave browser is using the controversy to urge
users to switch to its own browser.

UPDATE: In a statement, Google merely said: "Now, over 93% of
actively maintained extensions in the Chrome Web Store are running
Manifest V3, and the top content filtering extensions all have
Manifest V3 versions available --with options for users of AdBlock,
Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin and AdGuard."

Get Our Best Stories!

Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your
inbox every morning.

Email [                    ]
Sign Up
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links.
Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of
Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at
any time.


Thanks for signing up!

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Sign up for other newsletters

About Michael Kan

Senior Reporter

Michael Kan
 
 
 

I've been working as a journalist for over 15 years--I got my start as
a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in
2017.

Read Michael's full bio

Read the latest from Michael Kan

  * Rivals Intel and AMD Create Alliance To Defend x86 Architecture
  * Sonos Upgrades Flagship Soundbar With $999 Arc Ultra
  * Tech Alliance Wants to Make It Possible to Export, Import
    Passkeys
  * AST SpaceMobile Details How Its Cellular Satellite Service Will
    Work
  * Musk to Sue Calif. Commission for Citing His Political Rhetoric
    in Starlink Decision
  * More from Michael Kan

Advertisement

Further Reading

Update Now: Firefox Gets Critical Fix After Flaw Exploited in the
Wild
Update Now: Firefox Gets Critical Fix After Flaw Exploited in the
Wild
By Kate Irwin
Android, Chrome May Split From Google in Antitrust Case
Android, Chrome May Split From Google in Antitrust Case
By Kate Irwin
Trick Out Your Dish! The Complete Guide to Starlink Accessories and
Mounts
Trick Out Your Dish! The Complete Guide to Starlink Accessories and
Mounts
By Brian Westover
Rivals Intel and AMD Create Alliance To Defend x86 Architecture
Rivals Intel and AMD Create Alliance To Defend x86 Architecture
By Michael Kan
Google Goes Nuclear, Will Buy Energy From US Reactors to Power AI
Google Goes Nuclear, Will Buy Energy From US Reactors to Power AI
By Kate Irwin
Google Ships Android 15, Unwraps New Pixel Drop for Recent Devices
Google Ships Android 15, Unwraps New Pixel Drop for Recent Devices
By Rob Pegoraro
Former Apple Exec Launches High-End Ergonomic Keyboard System for
Macs
Former Apple Exec Launches High-End Ergonomic Keyboard System for
Macs
By Josh Hendrickson
Sonos Upgrades Flagship Soundbar With $999 Arc Ultra
Sonos Upgrades Flagship Soundbar With $999 Arc Ultra
By Michael Kan
PCMag Newsletters
PCMag Newsletters
Our Best Stories in Your Inbox
Follow PCMag

  *  
  *  
  *  
  *  
  *  
  *  

Honest, Objective, Lab-Tested Reviews

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based,
independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert
industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying
decisions and get more from technology.

How We Test Editorial Principles

  * Reviews
  * Best Products
  * Categories
  * Brands
  * Events
  * Series
  * Newsletters
  * Encyclopedia
  * Sitemap

  * About PCMag
  * Careers
  * Contact Us
  * Press Center

  * Ziffmedia Logo
  * Askmen Logo
  * Extremetech Logo
  * ING Logo
  * Lifehacker Logo
  * Mashable Logo
  * Offers Logo
  * RetailMeNot Logo
  * Speedtest Logo

(c) 1996-2024 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights
Reserved.

PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered
trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without
explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade
names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or
the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a
product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.

  * About Ziff Davis
  * Privacy Policy
  * Terms of Use
  * Advertise
  * Accessibility
  * Do Not Sell My Personal Information

  * AdChoices image pixel AdChoices
  * TRUSTe Logo TRUSTe Logo
  * Better Business Bureau (BBB) Logo