TL;DR
Google Chrome has begun removing support for Manifest V2 extensions, effectively ending uBlock Origin bypasses. Edge and Opera are expected to follow suit, impacting ad blocker functionality.
Google Chrome has begun the process of removing support for Manifest V2 extensions, which will eliminate most workarounds used by ad blockers like uBlock Origin. This development is significant because it restricts the ability to bypass ad-blocking restrictions, affecting millions of users relying on these tools. Edge and Opera browsers are expected to follow Chrome’s lead, further limiting extension capabilities.
Recent updates in Chromium have led to the removal of key flags that enabled support for Manifest V2 (MV2) extensions, including the flag kExtensionManifestV2Disabled, which was responsible for controlling MV2 extension availability. According to a Chromium contributor, support for MV2 extensions is being phased out due to technical difficulties, security concerns, and the increasing complexity of maintaining compatibility. Chrome version 150 has already lost the ExtensionManifestV2Disabled option, and version 151 will remove additional support options such as ExtensionManifestV2Unsupported and ExtensionManifestV2Availability.
This change means that workarounds used to keep extensions like uBlock Origin functional—such as registry modifications—will no longer work after Chromium version 151. While some browsers based on Chromium, like Brave and possibly Vivaldi, are expected to continue supporting MV2, others such as Opera have indicated they will stop supporting MV2 extensions altogether. Opera’s support for MV2 was explicitly called out in a recent email to developers, urging extension creators to transition to Manifest V3.
Edge, which began disabling uBlock Origin support as early as February, is also likely to cease support for MV2 extensions soon, although specific timelines have not been confirmed. The only major Chromium-based browser that appears committed to supporting MV2 for now is Brave, with Vivaldi also potentially maintaining support.
Impact on Ad Blocking and User Privacy
This development is crucial for users relying on ad blockers, as it will restrict the effectiveness of tools like uBlock Origin by removing the ability to implement certain bypasses. It signals a shift toward more restrictive extension policies, potentially reducing the control users have over their browsing experience. The move also underscores broader security and maintenance concerns associated with older extension frameworks, prompting users to consider alternative browsers or updated extension versions.
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Transition from Manifest V2 to V3 in Chromium Browsers
Over the past year, Chromium browsers have been transitioning from Manifest V2 (MV2) to Manifest V3 (MV3), which introduces stricter extension APIs and security protocols. Chrome announced plans to phase out MV2 support entirely, citing technical debt and security risks. This transition has been met with resistance from extension developers and privacy advocates, as many workarounds and bypasses used to enhance extension functionality are incompatible with MV3. Opera and Edge, both Chromium-based, have begun disabling MV2 support, aligning with Chrome’s timeline, while Firefox remains unaffected, supporting both MV2 and MV3.
“The removal of support for MV2 extensions in Chrome effectively kills most uBlock Origin bypasses, which rely on legacy APIs.”
— an anonymous researcher
“Opera has communicated that it plans to abandon MV2 support entirely, urging developers to upgrade to MV3.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Extent of Support in Non-Chromium Browsers
It remains unclear how quickly or thoroughly other Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Edge will disable MV2 support across all versions. While Opera has indicated an end to MV2 support, specific timelines and the scope of support in future updates are still developing. Additionally, the impact on user experience and extension functionality in browsers that continue supporting MV2 is not yet fully known.
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Transition Strategies for Extension Developers and Users
Extension developers are advised to update their extensions to Manifest V3 to ensure compatibility with upcoming browser versions. Users relying on uBlock Origin and similar tools should consider switching to MV3-compatible versions or alternative browsers such as Firefox. Browser vendors are expected to finalize their support timelines in the coming months, with further updates likely as the deprecation process unfolds.
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Key Questions
Will uBlock Origin still work after Chrome drops MV2 support?
Only if using a version of uBlock Origin compatible with Manifest V3, such as uBlock Origin Lite, or in browsers that continue supporting MV2. Otherwise, traditional bypasses will no longer function in Chrome.
Which browsers will support MV2 extensions after Chrome?
Currently, Brave appears committed to supporting MV2, with Vivaldi possibly following. Opera and Edge are moving away from MV2 support, with support ending soon.
What are the security concerns related to MV2 extensions?
Support for MV2 has been associated with bugs and security vulnerabilities, prompting Chrome to phase out support in favor of MV3, which enforces stricter security protocols.
Are there alternatives to Chromium browsers that support MV2?
Yes, Mozilla Firefox supports both MV2 and MV3, offering an alternative for users needing legacy extension support.
Source: Hacker News
