O Google Google Inc. is planning a significant change to Chrome that will affect the use of ad blockers by introducing the controversial “Manifest V3” extension format.
Announced a year ago and suspended after protests in 2022, the new format is expected to come into effect in June 2024, coinciding with the launch of version 127 of the browser. Initially, the change will be implemented in test versions of Google Chrome, including Beta, Dev and Canary, before reaching the stable version of the browser in July 2024.
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The changes
Manifest V3, in development since 2018, brings with it a significant transformation by abandoning essential APIs such as ‘WebRequest’, which is vital for ad blockers to manage files and cookies, making it possible to block advertisements.
One of the main criticisms of the change is the reduction in ad tracking capabilities, which could affect the effectiveness of ad blockers.
Google's decision, announced on the company's official blog, generated controversy, especially regarding the justifications provided. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a non-governmental organization in the United States, questions Google's arguments, indicating that the change will not make Chrome more efficient or safe.
Alternatives
For users concerned about this change, an alternative is to migrate to browsers that are not based on Chromium technology. Firefox, for example, is also implementing Manifest V3, but promises to do so without impacting the operation of ad blockers.
Mozilla assures users that privacy tools, including ad blockers, will continue to operate without restrictions.
This decision by Google will not only impact Chrome, but also other Chromium-based browsers such as Opera, Microsoft Edge and Vivaldi.
The change raises questions about users' freedom to control their online experience and highlights the complexities involved in interaction between technology giants and extension developers who seek to maintain user privacy and efficiency in web.
