Google’s Users to pay for Ad Blocker Feature on Chrome

Everyone loves an ad-free browser, considering that incessant Ad’s pop up can be pretty annoying. People have always found a way to block ads whilst browsing. Google, however, has installed an update with Adblockers on Chrome, it plans to make an ad-free browser available to those who pay for the update.

Google’s recent update drastically reduced Chrome’s ad blocking abilities for everyone who is not using Google’s paid G Suite Enterprise. The ad restriction update also extends to all extensions that block ads. This new feature has to do with Google’s request to users of Chrome ‘webRequest’ API — an API that blocks HTTP request and prevents ads-code from downloading, to switch to Manifest V3. This is because they plan to cut off the feature.

The Manifest V3 was announced earlier in 2019, Google is, however, ready to implement them now. webRequest will be available for users who will pay for it. Even though this new feature does not favour users, Google’s stand on this is highly understandable. Ads contribute more to Google’s annual revenue.

The controversy here is that users who sought to browse without ad interference might be forced to dump Chrome for other browsers. Google has been in user’s black book with data privacy and protection concerns, this ad interference will further strain the relationship. In fact, Google users might consider porting to Microsoft Edge, Firefox or even Opera.