Google begins removing Chrome extensions with Manifest v3. Ad blockers in the spotlight

Starting today and throughout the year, Google is changing its extension marketplace, making ad blockers a big unknown.

Starting today, June 3, Google will begin phasing out extensions developed with Manifest v2 in Chrome. framework which has used the vast majority of extensions so far and since 2012.

Instead, extensions must move to Manifest v3, a new standard that Google touts as safer and more effective, but which could limit the effectiveness of ad blockers. This is a controversial change that comes after several delays and will culminate in early 2025.

Why is it important. Chrome is the browser of two-thirds of people who connect to the Internet. Both on a mobile phone and on a computer. Google says the move to Manifest v3 is necessary to improve the security, privacy, and performance of extensions.

Critics see this as a way to weaken the ad blockers on which Google’s business model depends, which is, after all, a great advertising agency with fantastic advertising services.

Consequence. This change has forced and will continue to rewrite many extensions. Those that don’t adapt could become obsolete, affecting millions of users. After all, extensions are one of Chrome’s biggest advantages.

Key changes. As Google announced:

• The v3 manifest removes the webRequest API, which allowed extensions to intercept and modify network requests.
• Use the more limited declarativeNetRequest instead.
• Restricts remotely hosted code and scenarios user, forcing everything to be included in the extension itself.
• Change the permission model so that extensions are only activated in certain tabs rather than across the entire browser.
• Limit extensions’ access to sensitive APIs such as geolocation (unless the website you are visiting has specific permission).

Calendar. Change dates:

• Chrome Beta, Dev, and Canary will begin rolling out on June 3rd. v2 extensions will display a notification that they are unsupported.
• In the coming months: v2 extensions will be deactivated in these versions. Users will be able to reactivate them, but only temporarily.
• Early 2025: Manifest v2 will no longer work in the stable version of Chrome, and will be extended until June for enterprises.

Migration status. Google said that 85% of actively supported extensions have already been updated to version 3. This includes several blockers such as AdBlock, uBlock Origin and Adguard. Others, smaller or less maintenance-free, may disappear.

Controversy. Developers of blockers such as uBlock Origin have criticized version 3 for limiting filtering capabilities because it limits the number of dynamic rules.

In response to these complaints, Google increased this limit to 330,000 static rules and 30,000 dynamic rules. Some fear that this will still not be enough for the most advanced and customizable blockers.

Hidden motives? Beyond the security and performance arguments, it is suspected that Google is seeking to weaken ad blockers because they hurt its ad revenue. The company denies this and says it is simply seeking a balance between power and protection.

The v3 manifesto represents a great transition for Chrome extensions, with implications beyond the technical, but the coming months will see continued debate around its effectiveness and the real motivations behind the change. The future of Chrome extensions depends on this, especially for the most demanding users. manifest.

Featured Image | Grootika on Unsplash

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