Chrome Web Store removes all Manifest V2 extensions including uBlock Origin

Google has completed its years-long transition from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3 by removing all remaining MV2 extensions from the Chrome Web Store. This includes uBlock Origin, a widely used content blocker known for its effectiveness. The removal affects not only Chrome users but also those relying on Chromium-based browsers like Brave, which depend on the Chrome Web Store for extension discovery and installation. The change enforces adoption of Manifest V3, which Google argues improves security, privacy, and performance, though critics have raised concerns about its impact on extension functionality, particularly for content blockers.

Extensions installed on Chrome versions 138 or earlier will continue to function but will no longer receive updates. Users attempting to reinstall these extensions after removal will find them unavailable in the Chrome Web Store. This creates a dilemma for users who rely on these tools, as they must either accept outdated extensions or migrate to Manifest V3 alternatives, which may offer different capabilities. The inability to update also introduces potential security risks for users who continue using unsupported extensions.

The removal underscores the broader implications of platform dependency. Chromium-based browsers like Brave, which rely on the Chrome Web Store, are now forced to adapt. Brave has responded by hosting select Manifest V2 extensions on its own backend, including uBlock Origin, AdGuard, uMatrix, and NoScript. This workaround allows users to continue accessing these tools, but it also highlights the limitations of relying on a single extension marketplace. Engineers and users must now consider alternative sources or accept the constraints of Manifest V3.

Google’s justification for Manifest V3 centers on addressing legitimate concerns about extension security and privacy. Extensions can access sensitive browsing data, and Manifest V3 aims to mitigate these risks by imposing stricter controls. However, the transition has sparked debate about the trade-offs between security and functionality. Content blockers, in particular, have faced challenges under Manifest V3 due to changes in how extensions interact with web pages. This shift may force developers to rethink their approaches to building and maintaining extensions.