uBlock Origin, one of the most popular ad blockers on the web, faces significant hurdles due to recent changes in both Chrome and Firefox. Developer Raymond Hill, the creator of uBlock Origin, has long provided users with a trusted tool for blocking invasive ads. However, updates from browser vendors are now forcing him to adapt quickly—and users to make difficult choices.

Mozilla recently flagged Hill’s uBlock Origin Lite during an automated review, leading him to remove the add-on from their extension store. For Firefox users, the full version of uBlock Origin still works, but Chrome and Chromium-based browser users, like those on Edge, face a different problem.

Google’s transition to Manifest V3 is complicating things for traditional ad blockers. As Google phases out Manifest V2, which powers uBlock Origin, Chrome users will eventually need to switch to uBlock Origin Lite. However, this slimmer version lacks some of the functionality that many users rely on.

The situation highlights growing tension between ad blockers and browser vendors. Mozilla, now running an ad-driven business model, and Google, whose revenue depends on ads, are both making decisions that could reshape the future of ad-blocking tools.

For those looking for alternatives, tools like Privoxy or Pi-hole offer network-level ad blocking, while AdBlock Plus—despite allowing “acceptable ads”—remains available for both Chrome and Firefox.

As the browser landscape shifts, uBlock Origin users must stay nimble to maintain their ad-free web experience.