Google warns it will shut down uBlock Origin and other Chrome extensions

Google has begun warning users of certain Google Chrome browser extensions that these tools may soon be taken offline. An internal change would directly affect very popular services, including ad blockers.

“This extension may end availability soon because it doesn’t follow best practices for Chrome extensions“, says Google’s message in the Chrome store for tools that will lose support. One of them is uBlock OriginOne of the most used to bypass ads while browsing.

To date, it is still possible to download and install the extension. Even if, It may soon be removed from the store or even disabled in your browser if it already existsR. Google has not yet confirmed the date when the limitation will occur, but the project’s protocol update It is expected to come into force from June 2025.

Alternatively, Google recommends using other ad blockersbut they are considered less efficient by the community. The uBlock Origin developer himself is aware of the risk and states: The simplest version of the extension, uBlock Origin Lite, may not work as effectively It depends on the computer and websites visited.

Change in Google Chrome extensions

Change that could remove uBlock Origin and other tools from Google Chrome End of Manifest V2 protocol supportThis is an extension system that has already been deemed obsolete by the company.

The company said that the new version of the extensions’ core code, Paper V3It allows extensions to perform better and guarantees additional protection for users. On the other hand, The possible consequences of modernization have already caused a lot of criticism to the future system.

Extensions that will be affected by the update mainly include tools that cause many changes to the session and require changing various browser settings; This is exactly the case with more complete and effective ad blockers.

They are not fully upgradeable to Manifest V3; this means: programs will have limited functionality or stop working.

The idea for Manifest V3 has been discussed since 2018, but the company delayed the launch several times to make changes to the platform following negative feedback from the community.

Implementation of the protocol has started slowly, and Canary versions for developers will launch in June this year.