Google Chrome is urging users of the uBlock Origin (uBO) ad blocker to switch to alternative blockers after the latest update, ahead of the planned shutdown of Manifest v2 (MV2) extensions, Bleeping Computer reports.

Raymond Hill, lead developer of uBlock Origin, explained that this change is due to the fact that Google is gradually phasing out support for MV2 extensions in favor of the new Manifest v3 (MV3) platform.

Hill also noted that the developers have created uBlock Origin Lite (uBOL), a simplified version of the blocker designed to meet MV3 requirements.

Chrome users are advised to uninstall or replace uBlock Origin with other similar extensions. The “Find an alternative” link redirects users to the Chrome Web Store, which offers alternatives such as uBlock Origin Lite, Adblock Plus, Stands AdBlocker, or Ghostery.

The warning does not only apply to uBlock Origin users; it appears on the chrome://extensions page for all MV2 extensions after updating to Chrome version 127. Users of the Chrome Beta, Dev, and Canary channels have been receiving these warnings since June 3, 2024.

Google plans to gradually disable MV2 extensions over the coming months, suggesting that users switch to MV3 alternatives. Users will temporarily be able to re-enable their MV2 extensions, but this feature will be phased out over time.

The changes will be implemented for all users in the Chrome Stable channel, and the transition to the MV3 standard is expected to be completed by early 2025.

Google first announced the Manifest V3 extension platform with the release of Chrome 88 in December 2020. The new platform has created significant technical challenges for extension developers, especially those requiring extensive control over web browser features, such as ad blockers. This led to the creation of new but more limited extensions, such as uBlock Origin Lite.