Google has implemented the definitive removal of all extensions that used the Manifest V2 (MV2) standard on the Chrome Web Store. This decision, expected since July, impacts various privacy tools and signals the end of the popular classic uBlock Origin ad blocker in the browser, forcing a transition to Manifest V3 (MV3).
MV3 is the successor to MV2, and although it is presented as more secure and efficient, it is also perceived as more restrictive in terms of functionality, which has generated resistance among users.
The change was officialized on August 31st. It is important to note that the functioning of the Manifest defines the operating rules of an extension, its privileges, and how it communicates with the browser; MV2 established these guidelines for over ten years.
During the sweep of the official store, old extensions that remain installed in Chrome 138 or earlier versions will continue to function temporarily but will lose access to updates and security fixes. Furthermore, if the user disables or removes the add-on, they will not be able to reinstall it through official channels.
The new structure imposed by Google modifies the behavior of extensions. Under the old MV2, blockers had deep system permissions, allowing them to maintain background processes to inspect device network traffic even before pages loaded.
With the mandatory MV3, the focus shifts to resource optimization and more limited control. Since the Chrome Web Store serves as the repository for the entire Chromium ecosystem, this shutdown also affects users of competing browsers, such as Microsoft Edge.
However, certain tools remain accessible through alternative means. The Brave browser team has organized its own servers to host the most sought-after extensions by privacy enthusiasts, including AdGuard, uBlock Origin, uMatrix, and NoScript.