Google Chrome Browser Extensions: What's Changing in 2023?

In just a few months, Google Chrome will undergo a significant update that may have far-reaching consequences for users who rely on browser extensions to block ads. Starting in January 2023 with Chrome 112, the company may begin running experiments to turn off support for Manifest V2 extensions in Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. This is part of an effort to phase out the current extension manifest and replace it with a new one, known as Manifest V3.

According to Google's own blog, 'In With the New Extension Manifest, Out With the Old,' the update will begin rolling out in January 2023. One of the key changes is that instead of relying on a comprehensive list of banned URLs, extensions will be limited to a much smaller list. This means that ad blockers may no longer be able to block as many ads as they currently can, with the number of blocked ads potentially reduced by 90% or more.

Another significant change is how network request modifications work in Manifest V3. Extensions will no longer have the ability to use dynamic filtering to find and block ads, which has been a key feature for many popular ad blockers. This means that pop-up ads may start making a comeback in 2023, much to the dismay of users who rely on Chrome extensions to protect them from unwanted advertising.

Google's new manifest will also change how network request modifications work, removing extensions' power to use dynamic filtering in order to find and block ads. This has been four years in the making, with Google describing it as 'one of the most significant shifts' it has ever made in how Chrome browser extensions work.

But what does this mean for users? If you're a developer, you may need to adapt your extension code to comply with the new manifest. For users, it means that popular ad blockers may no longer be effective, leaving them vulnerable to unwanted advertising.

Critics are also pointing out that Google is the world's biggest advertising company, which may create a conflict of interest. By limiting the effectiveness of ad blockers, Google may be able to increase its own advertising revenue.

Regardless of your perspective on the change, it's clear that Google's update will have significant implications for both developers and users of Chrome browser extensions. As we move into 2023, it will be interesting to see how this plays out and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of the new manifest on ad blockers.

Google chrome browser extensions