Jun 01, 2024 21:46:00

Google begins phasing out extension specification 'Manifest V2'

As planned, Google has announced that it has begun the gradual phase-out of the extension specification ' Manifest V2 '.

Chromium Blog: Manifest V2 phase-out begins

https://blog.chromium.org/2024/05/manifest-v2-phase-out-begins.html

Google prepares for Chrome extension Manifest V2 phase out • The Register

https://www.theregister.com/2024/05/31/google_prepares_for_chrome_extension/

David Lee, product manager for Chrome extensions, revealed that the company has begun phasing out 'Manifest V2' in preparation for the transition to 'Manifest V3,' as per the timeline shared in November 2023.

'Manifest' refers to the specifications for Google Chrome extensions, and Google announced 'Manifest V3' in December 2020.

Google officially announces new Chrome ad blocking method 'Manifest V3', including new information on extensions and PWA improvements - GIGAZINE

However, there was opposition to Manifest V3 because it restricted the operation of ad blockers and extensions that prevent tracking.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation criticizes the new Chrome extension specification 'Manifest V3' as extremely harmful - GIGAZINE

'We've been honing Manifest V3 for years, listening to developer feedback and supporting the innovation happening across our community,' Lee said.

Already, over 85% of extensions that are being actively updated on the Chrome Web Store are compatible with Manifest V3.

Going forward, starting June 3, 2024, in Chrome's Beta, Dev, and Canary channels, users who have installed the Manifest V2 extension will be notified that the installed extension will no longer be supported.

Additionally, over the next few months, the Manifest V2 extension will be disabled. For the time being, there will be a toggle switch to re-enable it after it has been disabled, but eventually the switch will be removed and it will no longer be available.