Google is killing one of Chrome's biggest ad blockers

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Impact of Manifest V3 and uBlock Origin

  • Core issue: Chrome’s move to Manifest V3 reduces what extensions can do, which degrades powerful blockers like uBlock Origin (uBO).
  • A Manifest V3-compatible uBO variant (uBlock Lite/uBO Minus) exists but is explicitly described as less capable (fewer rules, less precise filtering, missing some features like handling certain fronting techniques).
  • Some argue Manifest V3’s model (declarative rules compiled into the browser) is framed as a security/performance win but functions as a protectionist move that limits privacy tools.
  • Others note that for most casual users, MV3-based blockers might still feel “good enough,” even if heavy users lose advanced features.

Firefox, Brave, and Other Browser Alternatives

  • Many propose switching away from Chrome: Firefox is the primary recommendation; others mention Edge, Safari, Brave, and Chromium forks.
  • Edge is confirmed to be adopting MV3 and dropping MV2.
  • Firefox already supports MV3 but currently keeps MV2; some expect MV2 to be removed eventually, others cite Mozilla statements suggesting no concrete removal plan.
  • One contributor using MV3 on Firefox reports network request blocking already works but calls the implementation buggy and not ready for “prime time.”
  • Brave is Chromium-based but has a built-in ad blocker not limited by extension APIs; opinions differ on whether it matches uBO’s power and customizability.
  • There is debate about Brave’s actual integration of uBO (conflicting claims about MV2 extensions support).

Monopoly, Antitrust, and Motives

  • Several see this as Google using Chrome’s market power to protect its ad business, likening it to Microsoft’s IE bundling and calling it anti-competitive.
  • Some note a recent monopoly ruling against Google and argue the company appears undeterred.
  • Others suggest Google’s funding of Mozilla helps maintain the appearance of competition and mitigate monopoly accusations.

User Experience, Dev Tools, and Performance

  • Question raised: why tech-savvy people still use a browser from an ad company?
  • Answers: better or more familiar dev tools, larger extension ecosystem, integrated features (casting, translation), and fewer quirks with web apps.
  • Counter-claims: Firefox dev tools and performance are now comparable or better, with notably lower memory use for some.
  • At least one person reports Firefox becoming sluggish with many tabs; others report no issues at moderate tab counts.

YouTube and Ad Blocking

  • Some Firefox users claim YouTube is increasingly “bricked” or degraded (stops after seconds, reduced quality) especially with uBO, citing many similar reports elsewhere.
  • Others say YouTube on Firefox + uBO works flawlessly, suggesting A/B tests or inconsistent rollouts; situation is unresolved/unclear.