NEWS  Google  November 26, 2023  Reading time: ~1 minute)

Max (RS editor)

Google takes center stage with its grand performance against ad blockers. In a daring move, YouTube introduces a five-second suspense before videos load for those wielding ad blockers, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

But that's not all: Google, the maestro of online advertising, is orchestrating a masterpiece by changing the tune of Chrome browser extensions. The Manifest V3, once on pause due to audience dissent, is set to resume in June next year. Google claims this revision is designed to create a seamless Chrome experience by reducing extension resources and enhancing security. However, critics argue that the changes, particularly to the Declarative Net Request API, hit a sour note.

Initially proposing restrictions on API, Google has decided to ease up in this revised version of Manifest V3. The number of content-filtering "rules" extensions can make has increased from 5,000 to 30,000, leaving AdGuard cautiously optimistic. In response, uBlock Origin, a virtuoso with 300,000 filtering rules, unveils its "lite" version, admitting it's not as "capable" but vows to continue the show.

Meanwhile, Brave and Firefox, the unsung heroes of the browser world, announce they are donning capes to save ad blockers from the impending changes. It's a battle of browsers, extensions, and the very essence of online harmony.

So, as the curtains rise on Google's ad blocker crackdown, the tech world awaits the final act – will the audience applaud the efforts to maintain online order, or will they demand an encore for the rebellious ad blockers? Only time will tell in this captivating saga of digital drama. Stay tuned for more, and remember to play safe in the vast online theater!