The developer of a Google Chrome ad-blocker extension has admitted there isn't "a lot of interest" in its latest version, as several key features had to be removed.
Raymond Hill, the mastermind behind the popular uBlock Origin Chrome extension, made the comment in his new version commit (opens in a new tab) on GitHub, referring to Google's upcoming change to its Manifest v3 (MV3) API. ).
Hill cited the decision to deny "extended data read/modify permissions" to Chrome developers under MV3 as the "limiting factor" in developing the new version of the extension, advising users to continue using the MV2 extension. if they want to benefit from it. of the current range of uBlock Origin features.
New changes to the Google Chrome API
In development since 2018, Google's new MV3 API is intended to protect user security and privacy, while delivering a hardware performance boost.
Removing the read and modify data permissions that most Chromium-based ad-blocking and privacy tools rely on may seem like a positive step in that direction, but Chrome users may find privacy tools more difficult. to find and use in the future.
Instead, they can turn to VPN services and the best VPN routers to stay safe online, or just another web browser.
Since January, Google has already prohibited the creation of new MV2 extensions, but by January 2023, developers will not be able to update extensions to the old API and they will stop working in major browsers altogether.
Therefore, users of the Google Chrome ad blocker extension may experience more informative pop-ups on websites asking them to accept cookies before they can continue browsing and being redirected away from websites without further prompting. often.
As a result, it's not clear if there's much future for Chrome's versions of ad blockers and privacy tools in the new year.
Via The Register (Opens in a new tab)