Google Chrome is introducing changes that will end the operation of many popular ad blockers, including uBlock Origin, considered one of the best.

According to an IAB Polska study, 45% of Polish internet users used ad blocking tools in 2023. Although the number of users of such programs grew dynamically in the past, it has remained stable since 2017. In Poland, around 60.55% of internet users use the Google Chrome browser, and they will feel the upcoming changes the most.

Manifest V3, Chrome's new API, will be rolled out in early 2025 and, according to Google, is intended to improve extension security by eliminating the ability to use remotely hosted code. Although some blockers, such as AdBlock, Adblock Plus, AdGuard, and uBlock, have already adapted to the new API, uBlock Origin will lose part of its effectiveness. The new uBlock Origin Lite extension will be the only version compatible with Manifest V3 in Google Chrome. However, users of uBlock Origin, of whom there are more than 30 million, may be disappointed by the Lite release, because its effectiveness is, to put it mildly, significantly limited. The creator of uBlock Origin himself, Raymond Hill, states clearly that the new plugin cannot be considered a full-fledged replacement for the older version. He recommends that all internet users who want to block ads consider other options.

Concepts from the article

API — Application Programming Interface. A defined way in which applications exchange data and call their functions. It describes endpoints, request format, responses, errors, authorization, and usage limits.

Why it matters: It is an agreement between systems: as long as the API does not change, integrations work without fixes. Thanks to an API, a portal, CRM, and newsletter can use the same data without manual transfer.

When it is used: In every integration of two systems: publishing content to a portal, synchronizing contacts, downloading reports.

What happens if it is omitted: Without an API, data is moved through exports and copying — version mismatches, delays, and human errors appear with every update.