Observed Signal · Jun 16, 2026 · Deprecation · Source: t3n · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Google to fully retire Manifest v2, breaking many adblockers
Google will fully disable Manifest v2 support in Chrome with versions 150 and 151 (end of June and July 2026), removing the last workaround that allowed older adblockers such as uBlock Origin to function. The company says Manifest v3 improves user privacy and security, but the API changes reduce filter capabilities relied on by many blocking extensions. Users who want to keep using older-style adblockers can switch to adapted MV3 versions like uBlock Origin Lite (with reduced functionality) or move to non‑Chromium browsers that promise longer MV2 support; Mozilla Firefox is expected to support MV2 longer, while Chromium-based browsers such as Edge and Opera may also drop MV2 in future.
Major platform (Google/Chrome) is deprecating a widely used browser extension API, directly affecting adblockers, browser extension developers, and open‑web ad monetization — a material policy/platform change for the adtech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google will disable Manifest v2 support in Chrome with versions 150 and 151 (release end of June and July 2026).
- Older adblockers that rely on Manifest v2 (e.g., uBlock Origin) will stop working in Chrome once MV2 support is removed.
- Google positions Manifest v3 as improving user privacy and security but the API reduces some filter functions used by adblockers.
- uBlock Origin Lite is an MV3-adapted variant available but with limitations compared with MV2-based versions.
- Other Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Opera) currently still support MV2 but may remove support later; Mozilla Firefox has promised longer MV2 support.
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US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the suspension of Microsoft and Adobe from its Permanent Labor Certification program, along with Cognizant, Infosys, Capgemini, Tata, Wipro, and HCL. Secretary Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations for Microsoft and Adobe, and criticized the companies for allegedly taking jobs from American workers. Vice President JD Vance specifically accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft responded by defending its hiring practices, stating that the majority of its U.S. employees are Americans and that most H-1B petitions are for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, coinciding with President Trump honoring several tech CEOs with the National Medal of Science.
Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with AI and Google Play
Amazon has announced a new generation of tablets under the Alexa brand, including the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8. All devices run on Android, integrate the AI assistant Alexa+, and for the first time offer direct access to the full Google Play Store, allowing users to install apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Gmail alongside Amazon services. The tablets feature various screen sizes, processors, and battery lives, with prices starting at $229.99. A special Kindle reading mode and new kids' models with parental controls have also been introduced. Sales begin in North America on October 8, with shipping from October 14, and European availability, including Germany, starts October 19.
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