Microsoft Edge's Privacy Implications with uBlock Origin Disablement

As of March 2, 2025, Microsoft Edge has begun disabling uBlock Origin, a popular browser extension known for its robust ad-blocking and tracker-blocking capabilities. This move, part of the transition to Manifest V3, has sparked significant debate among privacy advocates and users.

The Importance of uBlock Origin for Privacy

uBlock Origin, available at uBlock Origin, is a free and open-source extension designed to block ads, trackers, and other unwanted content. It is particularly effective in preventing websites from collecting user data through third-party trackers, which are often used for targeted advertising and analytics. By blocking these trackers, uBlock Origin reduces the risk of personal information being shared across the web, enhancing user privacy. For instance, it can block scripts that track browsing behavior, ensuring a more private online experience. The extension is noted for its CPU and memory efficiency, making it a preferred choice for privacy-conscious users.

Microsoft's Decision to Disable uBlock Origin

Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine like Google Chrome, is phasing out support for Manifest V2 extensions, including uBlock Origin, in favor of Manifest V3. This transition, detailed in Chromium Blog: Manifest V2 phase-out begins, aims to improve security and performance by restricting certain extension capabilities, such as real-time web request modifications. Microsoft's timeline for this phase-out, as outlined in Overview and timelines for migrating to Manifest V3, indicates a move to align with Chromium's standards, though specific dates for Edge are still under review. This decision has been controversial, as Manifest V3's limitations, such as reduced dynamic filtering, may compromise privacy tools like uBlock Origin, potentially exposing users to more tracking.

Alternatives in Microsoft Edge (even better leave edge)

Given the disablement of uBlock Origin, users must rely on other privacy tools within Microsoft Edge. The following table compares the alternatives:

• DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials, available at DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials, automatically blocks hidden third-party trackers and forces HTTPS connections where available. However, comparisons, such as those in Which browsers and extensions are best for online privacy, suggest it may not be as effective at blocking ads as uBlock Origin, focusing more on broader privacy features.
• Ghostery, detailed in Ghostery, blocks trackers and ads, offering a user interface to manage blocked content. While effective, user discussions on platforms like Reddit, such as r/privacy on Reddit, indicate it may not match uBlock Origin's performance in blocking all types of trackers.
• Microsoft Edge's Tracking Prevention, as described in Learn about tracking prevention in Microsoft Edge, offers three levels: Basic (blocks harmful trackers, allows personalization), Balanced (recommended, blocks trackers from unvisited sites), and Strict (blocks most trackers, minimal personalization). However, it is not designed to block ads comprehensively, focusing on known trackers, which may leave users exposed to ad-related tracking.

Limitations and Implications

The effectiveness of these alternatives is a concern. uBlock Origin's ability to customize filtering, as noted in uBlock Origin works best on Firefox, is superior, allowing users to block specific ads and trackers. In contrast, DuckDuckGo and Ghostery may not offer the same level of customization, and Microsoft Edge's built-in features, while helpful, do not fully replace uBlock Origin's functionality. Moreover, using multiple extensions can increase the risk of fingerprinting, where websites identify users based on their extension combination, as discussed in r/privacytoolsIO on Reddit.

An unexpected detail is the potential environmental impact of reduced ad blocking, as uBlock Origin's widespread use could save significant energy by reducing ad-related server loads, as mentioned in uBlock Origin - Wikipedia. This adds another layer to the privacy debate, highlighting broader implications.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Given these limitations, users prioritizing privacy might consider switching to Firefox, which continues to support uBlock Origin, as evidenced by uBlock Origin – Get this Extension for 🦊 Firefox. Firefox's support ensures users can maintain robust ad and tracker blocking, with additional privacy features like enhanced tracking protection. This move aligns with user feedback on platforms like r/uBlockOrigin on Reddit, where many advocate for Firefox due to its compatibility with privacy tools.

All of this leads us to the same conclusion:
Walk away from Edge, and find a browser that will take your privacy seriously.