Google’s ongoing transition to its new browser extension framework, Manifest V3, is leading to the widespread disabling of popular ad blockers and other extensions, with uBlock Origin users being among the most affected. As Chrome phases out support for its older Manifest V2 extensions, more users are seeing their favorite tools forcibly disabled, sparking criticism from privacy advocates and pushing users toward alternative browsers.

The impact of Google’s decision is now becoming more pronounced, with reports flooding in from users across platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) about their extensions suddenly being turned off. A notification in Chrome now informs users that the affected extensions are “no longer supported,” encouraging them to remove or manage their add-ons. This move is part of Google’s larger effort to enforce Manifest V3, a new extension specification designed to enhance privacy and security—but at a controversial cost.

The uBlock Origin Crackdown: What’s Happening?

uBlock Origin, one of the most effective ad blockers available for Chrome, is now being rendered obsolete under Google’s new policies. The ad blocker has been widely praised for its robust filtering capabilities, allowing users to effectively block intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious content. However, its original version relied on features that are now being phased out with Manifest V3.

Since October, Google has been gradually disabling uBlock Origin and other Manifest V2 extensions on Chrome. This month, the changes have escalated, with more users discovering that their extensions have been forcefully turned off. Reports from The Verge and Bleeping Computer confirm that staff members have experienced similar restrictions, indicating that the phaseout is affecting users at a large scale.

What is Manifest V3 and Why is Google Pushing It?

Manifest V3 is Google’s latest extension specification, replacing the now-deprecated Manifest V2. According to Google, Manifest V3 aims to improve privacy and security by limiting the capabilities of extensions. The company argues that the new framework prevents malicious extensions from abusing user data and reduces the risk of browser slowdowns caused by inefficient add-ons.

However, the changes also come with significant drawbacks. The biggest controversy surrounding Manifest V3 is its restriction on the webRequest API, a feature that allows extensions like uBlock Origin to effectively filter and block unwanted content before it loads. Under the new framework, ad blockers are forced to use a less effective declarativeNetRequest API, which significantly limits the number of filtering rules they can apply.

Critics argue that this change benefits Google’s advertising business at the expense of user control. By making ad blockers less effective, Google ensures that more ads are displayed, ultimately generating higher revenue for the company. Privacy advocates and developers have called out the move as an attack on users’ ability to control their browsing experience.

How Are Users Responding?

The backlash against Manifest V3 has been intense, with many users expressing frustration over the forced removal of their preferred extensions. Social media platforms are flooded with complaints, with some users vowing to abandon Chrome in favor of alternatives like Mozilla Firefox, which continues to support both Manifest V2 and Manifest V3 extensions.

Even Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Brave are affected by the transition, as they rely on the Chrome Web Store for extensions. While Brave has stated that it will offer “limited” support for older extensions, it acknowledges that once Google removes all Manifest V2 extensions from the store, users will have fewer choices.

uBlock Origin’s Future: Is There an Alternative?

For users who still want to block ads and maintain their privacy, there are a few options. The developer of uBlock Origin has released uBlock Origin Lite, a version that complies with Manifest V3 but offers reduced functionality due to API limitations. While it still provides some level of ad blocking, it lacks the full power of the original extension.

Another alternative is to switch browsers. Mozilla has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both Manifest V2 and V3, making Firefox a refuge for users who rely on powerful ad blockers. The decision by Mozilla highlights a key ideological divide between Google and Firefox, with the latter prioritizing user control and open internet principles.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Chrome Extensions?

Google’s shift to Manifest V3 is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly centralizing control over software ecosystems. While Google argues that its changes enhance security, critics see them as a way to consolidate power and limit user customization.

This development raises concerns about the future of browser extensions. If Google continues to impose restrictive policies, developers may find it harder to create innovative tools that prioritize user privacy and customization. It also highlights the risks of relying on a single dominant platform—when that platform changes the rules, users are left with little choice but to adapt or leave.

Final Thoughts: What Should Users Do?

For Chrome users frustrated by these changes, there are a few paths forward:

Switch to a different browser – Mozilla Firefox remains the best alternative for users who want full-fledged ad blocking and privacy features.

Try uBlock Origin Lite – While it’s not as powerful as the original, it still offers some protection against intrusive ads.

Explore other Chromium-based browsers – Brave and Vivaldi offer privacy-focused features, although they are still affected by Chrome’s extension policies.

Stay informed – Keeping up with the latest updates on browser policies will help users make informed decisions about their online experience.

Ultimately, Google’s decision to enforce Manifest V3 is reshaping the way users interact with browser extensions. Whether this change truly enhances security or simply limits user choice remains a heated debate, but one thing is clear—users who prioritize privacy and control may need to look beyond Chrome to find the browsing experience they desire.