In the widely used Google Chrome browser, a sweeping change is underway that will render many ad blocking extensions, including popular ones like AdBlock, ineffective starting in early 2023. The move comes from an internal policy update within a major US company that develops the Chromium-based foundation for Chrome.
The core of the change is a forthcoming update at the start of the new year that will disable third-party tools designed to block ads. Developers have confirmed that this will be achieved by integrating support for the Manifest Version 3 (MV3) API, a shift that alters how extensions interact with web pages and how they manage resources and permissions.
At present, many ad blocking applications are still operating under the second version of the manifest. Pre-installing extensions on devices will not provide a workaround once the MV3 update goes live, because the new policy directly changes the extension execution model. Users who rely on these tools should prepare for a transition period during which compatibility and performance may vary across devices and operating system versions.
Industry observers expect that a number of responses will emerge as a result. Some developers are anticipated to release updated ad blockers designed to work within MV3 constraints, while others may pivot to alternative approaches for managing privacy and content filtering. In the ecosystem of Chrome-based browsers, several projects built on the same engine have already indicated that they will not discontinue support for MV2 immediately, offering options for users who want a gradual migration while they assess the impact on browsing speed, ad-fraud protection, and user experience.
Historical reporting on the subject has noted that ad blockers can leave digital fingerprints in web pages that may be exploited by malicious actors to surveil users or plan targeted attacks. This has drawn attention to the trade-offs involved in ad filtering, privacy, and online security. As these changes unfold, users in Canada and the United States should monitor how MV3 adoption affects not only blocking capabilities but also the broader browsing environment, including performance, resource usage, and compatibility with popular sites and services. Independent analyses and updates from security researchers, browser vendors, and extension developers will play a key role in helping users adapt to the evolving landscape and make informed choices about how to protect their online privacy without compromising the quality of their web experience. (citation: TechWeb Canada Security Brief, January 2023)