● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
Google Removes All Remaining Manifest V2 Extensions, Including uBlock Origin, from Chrome Web Store
Key points
- All Manifest V2 extensions are removed from the Chrome Web Store.
- uBlock Origin is among the removed Manifest V2 extensions.
- Removed extensions will not receive updates and cannot be reinstalled from CWS.
- Brave browser will host select MV2 extensions on its own backend.
Manifest V2 Extensions Removed
Google has finalized the removal of all remaining Manifest V2 extensions from the Chrome Web Store. This marks the completion of a multi-year transition to Manifest V3, Google's newer extension platform. Users can no longer find or install these extensions through the Chrome Web Store.
Impact on uBlock Origin and Other Extensions
Among the extensions removed is uBlock Origin, a widely used content blocker. Google stated that Manifest V2 extensions installed on Chrome 138 or earlier will remain, but will not receive updates and cannot be reinstalled from the Chrome Web Store if removed from Chrome. The Chrome Web Store team has notified affected developers about this removal.
Broader Chromium Browser Implications
The removal extends beyond Google Chrome, affecting users of other Chromium-based browsers like Brave that depend on the Chrome Web Store for extension discovery and installation. Even if these non-Chrome browsers continue to support Manifest V2, users cannot access these extensions via the CWS.
Brave's Response
In response to Google's action, the Brave browser team has decided to host four popular Manifest V2 extensions on its own backend. These extensions include AdGuard, uBlock Origin, uMatrix, and NoScript, allowing Brave users to continue enabling them within their browser.
Google's Rationale for Manifest V3
Google cites improved security, privacy, performance, and tighter control over extension capabilities as reasons for the transition to Manifest V3. The company emphasizes that these changes address legitimate concerns regarding the extensive access browser extensions can have to user browsing activity.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Google has completed the removal of all Manifest V2 extensions from the Chrome Web Store, a transition that includes popular content blockers like uBlock Origin. This action prevents users from installing or receiving updates for these extensions, impacting not only Chrome but also other Chromium-based browsers that rely on the CWS.