Google Chrome’s move to Manifest V3 for extensions is closing its final loophole and, with it, bringing the end of...
17 Comments Google Chrome’s move to Manifest V3 for extensions is closing its final loophole and, with it, bringing the end of many ad blocker tools. The move to Manifest V3 has been in the works for years at this point, with one of the main points of criticism from users being that the change would break most ad blockers due to the new permissions structure and Google’s focus on privacy. The impacts of that were felt broadly in 2024 and, now, Google is closing the book on Manifest V2 and, in turn, popular ad blockers such as uBlock Origin. CyberNews points out a Chromium commit that removes support for the “kExtensionManifestV2Disabled” flag, which is referred to as “dead code” seeing as Chrome no longer supports Manifest V2 extensions. This removal acts as the final stop for many Manifest V2-based ad blocker extensions that were still in use today – the flag was effectively a loophole to continue using these extensions. A Googler on the commit explains : MV2 extensions are no longer allowed in any supported version of Chrome, and we are removing support for them and the associated functionality. We won’t be able to provide / maintain this functionality indefinitely due to the complexity and tech debt, as well as the security risks it entails (we’ve actually found a number of bugs that are specific to MV2 lately). Of course, other browsers can continue supporting these if they so desire. This will also impact other Chromium-based browsers, though the comment notes that “other browsers can continue supporting these if they so desire.” Neowin points out that Microsoft Edge and Opera are likely to follow suit. Chrome 150, set to be released later this month, will remove this flag, while other leftover bits of Manifest V2 will be removed in the v151 release as AllAboutCookies details : Follow Ben: Twitter/X , Threads , Bluesky , and Instagram FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. The Pixel punches way above its weight in the smartphone space [Video] Damien Wilde Jun 12 2026 What is the oldest phone you’d consider using daily? [Poll] Damien Wilde Jun 12 2026 Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 [Gallery] Abner Li Jun 10 2026 Motorola Razr Fold Review: Shockingly great, but is it too late? Ben Schoon Jun 9 2026 Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news: Expand Close comments Expand Close comments Guides Google Chrome Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, Google C… Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google. Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to schoon@9to5g.com or encrypted to benschoon@protonmail.com.
