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Microsoft begins turning off uBlock Origin and other extensions in Edge (neowin.net)

787 points by thombles · 521 days ago · 514 comments on HN

Article summary

Microsoft has started turning off Manifest V2-based extensions, including uBlock Origin, in the Edge Canary version. This move follows Google's decision to phase out Manifest V2 extensions in favor of Manifest V3. Users can still enable the extensions by toggling them back on, but it is unclear how long this will be possible. The change does not currently affect Edge's stable release or Beta/Dev Channels.

Main themes

  • Browser extensions
  • Manifest V2 and V3
  • uBlock Origin
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Google Chrome
  • Browser compatibility

What commenters say

  • The deprecation of Manifest V2 extensions is a result of Google's decision and Microsoft is simply following suit.
  • Some users plan to migrate to Firefox, which still supports Manifest V2 extensions, in response to this change.
  • The move to Manifest V3 is seen as a way to cripple ad-blocking extensions like uBlock Origin, which is a major concern for users who value online privacy.
  • Brave browser has committed to supporting uBlock Origin, but it is unclear how long they will be able to maintain this support.
  • The decision to phase out Manifest V2 extensions is viewed as a power play by Google to control the browser ecosystem and limit user choice.
  • Some users are concerned that the loss of uBlock Origin will make the internet unbearable due to increased ads and tracking.
  • Alternative browsers like Safari with AdGuard are being considered by some users as a replacement for Edge or Chrome.
  • The change is seen as a sign of the increasing monoculture of the browser market, with Google's decisions having a significant impact on other browsers.