Google plans to restrict modern adblockers to business Chrome users. The so-called Manifest V3 makes adblockers, such as uBlock Origin, no longer work.
Modern adblockers use Chromes webRequest to block ads before they are downloaded. According to Forbes, Manifest V3 is undergoing a major transformation towards Chrome extensions, which includes a renewal of the permission system. After this transformation, many adblockers will no longer work because Manifest V3 makes Google block the essential webRequest API. This allows adblockers to block requests (such as advertisements) before it is loaded.
Exceptions
Only business users could continue to use adblockers. Also, the changes would not affect all adblockers, but it is unclear for now which blocker will be affected and which will not. Chrome supports the use and development of adblockers. We actively work with the developer community to get feedback and continue to design a privacy-conserving content filtering system that limits the amount of sensitive browser data shared with third parties, Google said in a statement.
Nevertheless, Manifesto V3 remains a remarkable step. Last January, Google announced its intention to make changes that would complicate the operation of adblockers in general. Advertisements are at the heart of Google’s business model, while the Internet giant relies on advertising revenues. It is therefore understandable that the internet giant is trying to work against the makers of adblockers in this way.
Alternatives
However, there are many users who do not want to use Chrome without an adblocker. They can switch to other browsers, such as Firefox. The manifesto relates to the Chromium code, and therefore also includes other Chromium-based browsers such as Brave and soon Microsoft Edge. In January, for this reason, there was still a great deal of criticism of the plans. At the time, Google seemed to conform to the vocal masses, but is now going back on that decision.
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This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.
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