Some Google Chrome ad blockers could stop working next year TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Some Google Chrome ad blockers could stop working next year By Luke Hughes published 9 September 2022 API changes meant to increase user privacy may have an unwelcome side-effect (Image credit: Shutterstock / XanderSt) Audio player loading… The developer of a Google Chrome ad blocker extension has conceded that there isn't "much point" to their latest release, as several key features have had to be removed. Raymond Hill, the brains behind the popular uBlock Origin Chrome extension, made the comment in his commit of the new version (opens in new tab) on GitHub, in reference to Google's upcoming shift to its Manifest v3 (MV3) API. Hill cited the move to withhold "broad read/modify data permissions" from Chrome developers under MV3 as the "limiting factor" in the development of the new version of the extension, recommending that users continue to use the MV2 extension if they want to benefit from uBlock Origin's current range of features. Google Chrome s new API changes Under development since 2018, Google's new MV3 API is said to protect users' security and privacy, as well as offering a material performance boost.READ MORE> We've built a list of the best free VPNs > Google to stop Android VPN apps blocking ads > Emergency Google Chrome update patches exploit abused in attacksThe removal of key read and modify data permissions relied on by most Chromium-based privacy and ad blocking tools may seem like a positive step in this direction, but Chrome users may find privacy tools harder to find and to use in the future. They may instead look to VPN services and the best VPN routers to be safe online, or simply another web browser. Since January, Google has already prohibited the creation of new MV2 extensions, but by January 2023, developers will be unable to update extensions on the old API, and they will cease to run entirely on consumer browsers. From then on, Google Chrome ad blocking extension users may come across more informational pop-ups on websites asking them to accept cookies before being allowed to continue browsing, and be redirected away from websites without asking more often. As a result, it's uncertain whether there'll be much of a future for the Chrome versions of ad blockers and privacy tools in the new year.We've built a list of the best VPNs for PCs (opens in new tab) Via The Register (opens in new tab) Luke HughesGraduate Writer Luke Hughes holds the role of Graduate Writer at TechRadar Pro, producing news, features and deals content across topics ranging from computing to cloud services, cybersecurity, data privacy and business software. See more Software news Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to theTechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. MOST POPULARMOST SHARED1I tried the weirdest-looking Bluetooth speaker in the world, and I utterly adore it2You may not have to sell a body part to afford the Nvidia RTX 4090 after all3My days as a helpful meat shield are over, thanks to the Killer Klown horror game4100% on Rotten Tomatoes: 7 new critically-acclaimed dramas you may have missed5I won't buy the Google Pixel 7 unless it fixes these three Pixel 6 problems1We finally know what 'Wi-Fi' stands for - and it's not what you think2Best laptops for designers and coders 3The iPhone 14 Pro is made of the wrong stuff; the Pixel 7 proves that to me4Miofive 4K Dash Cam review5Logitech's latest webcam and headset want to relieve your work day frustrations Technology Magazines (opens in new tab)● (opens in new tab)The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviewsFrom$12.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions:Sverige