Google’s recent update to the manifest file for Chrome browser extensions, transitioning from manifest version 2 (MV2) to manifest version 3 (MV3), has raised concerns among users and ad blocker providers, who worry that the new restrictions, notably the shift from the powerful WebRequest API to the more restrictive DeclarativeNetRequest API, might reduce ad blocker effectiveness. Because ad blockers play a vital role for millions of users seeking a more private and ad-free browsing experience, this study empirically investigates how the MV3 update affects their ability to block ads and trackers. Through a browser-based experiment conducted across multiple samples of ad-supported websites, we compare the MV3 to MV2 instances of four widely used ad blockers. Our results reveal no statistically significant reduction in ad-blocking or anti-tracking effectiveness for MV3 ad blockers compared to their MV2 counterparts, and in some cases, MV3 instances even exhibit slight improvements in blocking trackers. These findings are reassuring for users, indicating that the MV3 instances of popular ad blockers continue to provide effective protection against intrusive ads and privacy-infringing trackers. While some uncertainties remain, ad blocker providers appear to have successfully navigated the MV3 update, finding solutions that maintain the core functionality of their extensions.
Something is fishy here.
Manifest v3 has hard limits, and the developer of uBlock Origin has documented issues with the supposedly “just fine” new APIs in AdBlock Plus:
uBO Lite reliably filters at browser launch, or when navigating to new webpages while its service worker is suspended. This can’t be achieved without uBO Lite’s declarative approach. Example: [video]
But has also said that updates to their filters depends on Google graciously allowing it:
There are no filter lists proper in uBOL. There are declarative rulesets and scripts which are the results of compiling filter lists when the extension package is generated. Those declarative rulesets and scripts are updated only when the extension itself updates.
In other words, you can either have a tool that blocks ads unreliably, or a tool that can only update ad-blocking rules if an ad company allows it.
There are also things that are objectively impossible to do with Manifest V3.
So consider me skeptical. Any perceived parity or improvement is due to competent developers, not due to a willingness to make manifest V3 good. I think I’ll trust the people building adblock tech over a couple of university students.
(Copied from my original comment on an article that uses this as a source)
Meh. I’m back on Firefox. Chrome can fuck right off.
Same. MV3 and Google disabling ublock origin even though mv2 was still functional, was the last straw. I was afraid to jump ship after 16 years of Chrome, but I’m really happy I did.
What was it that you were afraid of?
Bringing preferences, bookmarks, history, migrating passwords to a password manager. All the important functionality of the sites I visit often working without issues. I knew that everything should work without issues, but you never know for sure until you actually give it a go.
I see. Gj making the move! 😃
Sadly, that’s the point. We need more education, as i don’t think there is any other way to stop its usage…
Unless something really unlikely happens from the political or legislative side, which it won’t.
So, as expected, it was all fear mongering. Cool. I’ll reference this paper a lot.
MV3 was revised several times following legitimate concerns. Its current, final form is exactly because these concerns were raised.
And even in its “current, final form” I do not believe it is as decent as this paper suggests. (See my other comment has more info)
Yep. Thank you for bringing more context.
So? It didn’t mean the death of adblocking on Chromium and everybody with 2 working brain cells already knew that in advance.
Why is it the biggest idiots accuse everyone else of being idiots?
I’m wondering this myself. That’s why I’m reply to your comment. It’s jut my personal research project.
That’s so wrong. They might have failed for now, but we’ll see them trying again. And again. Google is the worlds most valuable ad company. They earn billions every year by showing people ads and adblockers are costing them several billions every year. They will come back and they will try again.
No. Ad blockers can work around it, but only with reduced functionality.
The paper says otherwise.
The paper is wrong.
Just submit a rebuttal. Easy.
