Google has been engaged in a dual struggle, working to undermine the effectiveness of adblockers and content blockers on platforms like YouTube. This involves experimenting with server-side-injected advertisements that may prove exceptionally challenging, if not entirely impossible, for users to block.
Moreover, the tech behemoth is also taking measures to restrict the functionality of unsupported adblockers on Chrome, including the widely used uBlock Origin. These extensions are built on the older Manifest V2 (MV2) API, which is being phased out in favor of the newer Manifest V3 (MV3), designed to enhance user privacy, security, and overall performance.
Google is currently testing a new feature that will disable the ability to activate unsupported browser extensions like uBlock Origin. This means users may find the toggle option greyed out, effectively blocking access to these MV2 add-ons and compelling them to seek alternatives that are compatible with MV3.
Additionally, Google has already stated that using the toggle to enable such extensions will have a limited lifespan, as they will ultimately be “permanently disabled.”The company believes these types of extensions do not offer the best experience for users.
As part of this initiative, Google has already started the process of disabling uBlock Origin and similar MV2 extensions. For those who wish to continue using uBlock Origin until June of next year, a workaround via the Windows Registry has been suggested.
In response, the rival browser Brave seized the moment, responding to a user’s complaint about this situation on X, reminding users that Brave will still support uBlock Origin while also offering a built-in ad and tracker blocker.
Hope you’ll give us a shot! Our browser has built-in ad and tracker blocking and still supports uBO as well.
— Brave (@brave) October 14, 2024
If you’re exploring alternatives outside of Chromium-based browsers, Mozilla’s Firefox remains a notable option. Built on Gecko, Firefox continues to fully support uBlock Origin.
Furthermore, Mozilla offers an ad-free subscription option for just $28 annually, providing additional ways to support the platform!
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