Best browsers right now: Chrome will show you more ads than you want to see

Google has started disabling extensions in recent months Chromium which were developed in accordance with the Manifest v2 standard. The update, which has sparked controversy among users and developers, directly affects several tools such as ad blockers and highlights a change in Google’s privacy and ad control strategy by not being able to remove third-party cookies.

What is Manifest v2?

Manifest v2 is a technical specification that defines how manifest extensions Chromium

They interact with the browser. Introduced in 2012, it allowed for a variety of tools, including ad blockers and privacy extensions. These extensions have full access to data circulating in the browser, which has benefited users looking to protect themselves from tracking and intrusive advertising.

Google decided it was time to abandon this standard in favor of Manifest v3.

However, Google decided it was time to abandon this standard in favor of Manifest v3which, according to the company, improves security, productivity and user privacy. The problem is that many of the key features of ad blockers, such as the ability to view and filter all resources loaded on a page, are limited in Manifest v3.

Ad blockers

The v3 manifest introduces restrictions on how extensions interact with web traffic. In particular, it restricts access to ad blockerswhich means they will no longer be able to view and block as many web page elements as possible in Manifest v2. It is for this reason that many users are afraid of increasing the number of advertisements they will see while browsing.

For Google, advertising is a fundamental part of its business model.

For Google, advertising is a fundamental part of its business model. 80% of the company’s revenue comes from advertising. TO forbid extensions under Manifesto v2, many see a strategic move to increase their control over the advertising market, as users’ ability to block ads will be dramatically reduced if these tools do not adapt to the new standard.

Many ad blockers have reported difficulty adapting to new modelThis means Chrome users will likely see a decrease in the effectiveness of these tools.

Other browsers

The move to Manifest v3 has many users reconsidering their use of Chrome and looking for alternative browsers that offer more privacy and control over advertising.

Ad blockers: Firefox allows extensions designed with fewer restrictions than Manifest v3, meaning that the browser’s ad blockers remain as effective as before.

Confidentiality: Firefox is known for its privacy with built-in features like advanced tracking protection that blocks third-party trackers and cookies by default.

Business model– Unlike Google, Mozilla does not rely on advertising as its main source of revenue, allowing it to focus more on providing privacy tools to its users.

Ad blockers: Brave has an ad blocker built into the browser itself, without the need for extensions. This allows you to have an ad-free experience without relying on Manifest v3.

Confidentiality: Brave stands out as one of the most privacy-focused browsers, with features like Brave Shields, which blocks trackers, ads, and invasive cookies by default.

Business model: Brave also operates its own advertising model, but it is optional for users, who can choose whether to watch ads to earn cryptocurrency rewards.

Ad blockers: Edge, which is based on Chromium, will also be affected by Manifest v3, although it allows extensions to be installed from other stores such as Firefox. This provides some flexibility when it comes to ad blockers.

Confidentiality: Edge has improved in terms of privacy and offers strong, moderate or basic tracking options depending on the user’s preferences.

Business model: Although Microsoft is not as dependent on advertising as Google, it is still interested in tracking users of its products such as Bing and other services.

Ad blockers: Safari allows you to effectively block ads with extensions that work well in its ecosystem, although its extension store is more limited compared to Chrome or Firefox.

Confidentiality: Apple has made privacy a pillar of its marketing strategy. Safari offers features such as Smart Tracking Prevention, which limits cross-site tracking.

Business model: Apple doesn’t rely on advertising as a source of revenue, allowing it to focus more on protecting the privacy of its users.

Ad blockers– Like Brave, Opera has a built-in ad blocker that allows users to browse ads-free without installing additional extensions.

Confidentiality: Opera has included privacy features such as a free VPN, although it is important to note that Opera was acquired by a Chinese company that has expressed concerns about the handling of personal data.

Business model: While the company doesn’t rely on advertising to the same extent as Google, its data collection practices have come under scrutiny.

Advertising control

Google’s decision to disable extensions based on Manifest v2 marks a historic change in how Chrome users will be able to control advertising in your browsers. Although Google claims that Manifest v3 is a security and performance improvement, many users and developers view the change as threat to privacy and control over your browsing experience.