Chrome users beware: Manifest v3 is deceitful and threatening (eff.org)

Article summary

Google's Manifest V3 update for Chrome extensions has been criticized for its potential impact on user privacy and security. The update restricts the capabilities of web extensions, particularly those that monitor and block online tracking. This change may limit the effectiveness of privacy-protective extensions and could be seen as a move to consolidate Google's control over the browser market. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and other experts have expressed concerns over the update's implications.

Main themes

• Manifest V3 update
• user privacy
• browser security
• extension development
• Google's motivations
• ad-blocking and tracking
• browser market control
• innovation and development

What commenters say

• The Manifest V3 update is a step backwards for user privacy and security, as it restricts the capabilities of web extensions that protect users from online tracking.
• Google's motivations for implementing Manifest V3 are driven by its own interests, rather than a genuine concern for user privacy and security.
• The update's limitations on web extensions will stifle innovation and hinder the development of new privacy-protective tools.
• Some argue that the update is necessary to improve performance and security, but others counter that the restrictions are too broad and will have unintended consequences.
• The impact of Manifest V3 on ad-blocking extensions, such as uBlock Origin, will be significant and may render them less effective.
• The use of declarativeNetRequest as a replacement for the WebRequest API is seen as insufficient and overly restrictive by some commentators.
• There are concerns that Mozilla's decision to implement Manifest V3 in Firefox may undermine the browser's commitment to user privacy and security.