Google Chrome, the world’s most widely used web browser, is preparing for a major change that will affect the way millions of users browse the web: the gradual disappearance of support for some popular extensions, including ad blockers.
A technological transition that is shaking up the extensions ecosystem
The Manifesto, in reality, is a set of rules and specifications that govern the interaction of extensions with the browser and web pages. Since its launch in 2010, Chrome has employed different versions of this Manifesto. The evolution towards MV3, initiated in 2019, is today at the heart of the debate.
The fundamental change lies in the compatibility between extensions and the browser. Extensions developed with the previous version, Manifest V2 (MV2), encounter compatibility issues with the new version. One of the most prominent examples of MV2 extensions under threat is uBlock Origin, a popular ad blocker.
Google justifies this transition by gains in terms of security and confidentiality for users. The evolution towards MV3 is presented as an improvement, but the reality is more nuanced. The imposition of new technical constraints limits the capabilities of certain extensions, particularly those requiring advanced control over browser functions.
The consequences for users of ad blockers
The direct consequence for users of extensions like uBlock Origin is the potential disappearance of their functionality. Incompatibility with MV3 could make these tools less effective or completely unusable. Although Google assures that around 85% of active extensions on the Chrome Web Store have already migrated to MV3, the remaining part is significant and causes concern.
Users of uBlock Origin and other MV2 extensions have started receiving alerts warning them of the potential incompatibility of their tools. These notifications are not simple warnings: certain extensions are already disabled by default in Chrome. Although deactivation does not mean permanent removal, it does indicate potential cessation of support and a guaranteed lack of optimal performance.
Solutions to continue using extensions
Faced with this situation, users have options to maintain the functionality of the extensions they use. One option is to migrate to MV3-compatible alternatives. In the case of uBlock Origin, a so-called “Lite” version exists, but with reduced functionality.
Another approach is to change browsers. Brave, Vivaldi, and even Firefox continue to support MV2 extensions, giving users an alternative framework to maintain their browsing habits. Yet each alternative choice involves a change that could prove difficult and potentially burdensome.
Finally, technological evolution does not necessarily mean disappearance for MV2 extensions. Developers might attempt to adapt their tools to MV3, a task that requires time and resources. This adaptation is an important project which requires additional efforts on the part of the developers and which could require precious time.
A redevelopment of the ecosystem
The transition to MV3 is not limited to ad blockers. It has broader implications for the extensions ecosystem. This development introduces a major upheaval which questions development practices and the adaptation of users to the new standards imposed by Google. Awareness of these changes becomes crucial for everyone.
Google’s decision to mandate MV3 poses fundamental questions about the future direction of web browsers and the relationship between users and extension developers. Compatibility and evolution are essential to good navigation. Users, faced with this change, are faced with a choice. Adapt their practices or abandon tools they have used for years. Actors in the web ecosystem must adapt to the movement, both developers and users. The future of web browsing depends largely on this evolution, and the perspectives on the evolution of developments and the adaptation of users must be followed carefully.
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