Impact of Google’s Manifest V3 Standard on uBlock Origin

Users of the popular uBlock Origin extension on Google Chrome may need to consider switching to a new browser or subscribing to YouTube Premium, which offers features like offline downloads, background listening, and unlimited music streaming. This is because uBlock Origin is being deprecated on Chrome as Google completes its migration to the new Manifest V3 standard, aimed at improving privacy and security. However, uBlock Origin Lite will continue to function.

Background on Manifest V3

Google has been working on this transition for many years. A key aspect of Manifest V3 is an update to the Web Request API, which limits the information extensions can collect from users’ browsers. This change was necessary because the previous version of the API required users to grant permission for Chrome to pass along all information in a network request, potentially including private data such as emails and photos. The new API allows ad-blockers to block content without requiring users to give up as much sensitive data.

Security Concerns and Motivations

Part of Google’s interest in tightening up extension security stems from the fact that extensions have been used as an attack vector to steal users’ information, such as credit card details, and to masquerade as legitimate extensions for sites like Coinbase. Google has a legitimate interest in closing these security gaps, but its mixed reputation with the web development community, particularly when pushing technology that serves its own interests, has raised concerns. The company’s significant revenue from advertising also raises questions about its motivations for changes affecting ad-blocking.

Consequences for Ad-Blockers

uBlock Origin and other ad-blockers relied on certain aspects of the old Web Request API to perform comprehensive blocking. "Lite" versions of these extensions will still function, but developers have stated that Google’s changes will diminish their functionality. The lighter version of uBlock Origin should suffice for most users but lacks advanced features like custom filters or a picker element. The changes will make it harder, but not impossible, to evade advertisements on YouTube.

Implications for YouTube Ad-Blocking!

uBlock Origin was considered one of the best tools for subverting advertisements on YouTube. Google serves ads on YouTube from the same domain as the website, making it challenging to block ads without rendering the site unusable. uBlock Origin used complex methods to cut out YouTube ads, which may have been to Google’s dismay. The company is engaged in a cat-and-mouse game to detect ad-blockers on YouTube and stop them. While dedicated users will continue seeking ways to block YouTube ads, the elimination of custom filtering scripts in the Chrome version of uBlock will make it harder.

Mixed Feelings about Ad-Blockers

As a news website, we have mixed feelings about ad-blockers. On one hand, they allow us to produce content without charging readers. On the other hand, JavaScript-heavy advertisements can make webpages slow and finicky to load. The FBI has recommended installing ad-blocking software due to malicious web ads targeting consumers with fake or dangerous products.

Alternatives and Next Steps

uBlock Origin should still work as normal on Firefox, as Mozilla is not transitioning to the Manifest V3 standard. Mobile users can consider ad-blocking options like Safari with the AdGuard extension. If you decide to switch away from Chrome, please be sure to whitelist Gizmodo.