Many Internet users who visit your e-commerce site use adblocker software by default, which, as their name suggests, block ads while browsing.
Google has been working for several months on an update that will tend to curb these adblockers on Chrome.
This caused a remarkable outcry (well, in the world of people it concerns of course...;)
More concretely, the evolutions of Chrome include the deployment of an update called Manifest V3. This new ecosystem for browser extensions will impact, among other things, their ability to block ads when this is the case.
What can we expect from this update?
Contrary to what some developers feared, the update is not going to kill adblockers. However, it may limit the ability of these extensions to block ads.
Indeed, Manifest V3 aims to restrict access to user browsing data for extensions, including adblockers, which can have an impact on their ability to effectively block ads. Among the changes to be expected:
- The use of the Web Request API replaces the Web Request blocking API that is currently used by adblockers to block HTTP requests. The Web Request API does not allow requests to be blocked, but only to modify them.
- The restriction of access to user browsing data by extensions. This means that adblockers will no longer be able to access user browsing data to identify and block ads.
- Extension developers will need to get user permission to access browsing data, which can reduce the number of users who allow adblockers to access that data.
In summary, Manifest V3 could make it harder for adblockers to block ads by limiting their access to users' browsing data, and forcing them to use less effective request blocking methods..
Adblocker developers will likely be able to continue creating extensions that work under the new restrictions, but they may need to adapt to new ways to block ads.
Change of schedule! Deployment delayed. Then pushed back. Then...
Will we see each other next year?
Google announced Delay the end of Manifest V2 to 2024 (and therefore the mandatory transition to Manifest V3).
That being said, Google is already forcing the transition, since the Chrome Web Store has not accepted extensions under Manifest V2 since the beginning of January, when in fact, an extension will have to use V3 to get its recommendation badge on the Chrome store.
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