Google is killing one of Chrome's biggest ad blockers

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Google’s move to deprecate Chrome’s Manifest V2 extension system, effectively crippling powerful ad blockers like uBlock Origin, is raising concerns that the browser is leveraging its dominance to protect advertising revenue. Commenters weigh alternatives such as Firefox, Brave, Edge, and Safari, noting that Chromium-based browsers face similar Manifest V3 constraints while Firefox’s implementation may remain more ad-blocker-friendly for now. The change is also framed in antitrust terms, with comparisons to Microsoft’s past bundling of Internet Explorer and worries that a less blockable, more ad-saturated web will push users away from Chrome—or leave them with no effective escape.

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.