Google Chrome Closes Final Ad Blocker Workarounds in Upcoming Updates
Google Chrome versions 150 and 151, expected in late June and July respectively, will eliminate the final workarounds that permitted older ad-blocking extensions to operate in the browser. The changes mark the completion of Google's multi-year transition away from the Manifest V2 extension platform.
Google began phasing out Manifest V2 support in 2024, prompting most Chrome users to either migrate to Manifest V3-compatible ad blockers like uBlock Origin Lite or switch to alternative browsers that continue supporting older extensions. The company is now removing residual code references to the deprecated platform, meaning only ad blockers built for Manifest V3 will function in Chrome 151 and subsequent versions.
Manifest V3 introduces stricter capabilities for browser extensions, including limitations on blocking network requests directly. While Google has stated that the changes improve security and performance, critics—including some privacy advocates—have argued that the platform gives Google greater control over how ad blocking functions in its browser.