Breaking News: Google’s 2025 Extension Crackdown
Google’s 2025 Chrome Purge — In a sweeping move that’s rattling developers and users alike, Google has initiated a major crackdown on Chrome extensions in 2025, citing security, performance, and data privacy concerns.
Over 200 extensions have been removed or flagged from the Chrome Web Store as part of what many are calling the “Chrome Purge.”
Google has confirmed that its Manifest V3 policy will fully roll out by June 2025, potentially disabling popular Chrome extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and Tampermonkey. This move, framed as a “security upgrade,” has sparked backlash from privacy advocates and developers.
Urgent: Extensions relying on Manifest V2 will stop working unless updated. Check your extensions now.
Why the Crackdown?
According to Google’s official blog post here, many of the affected extensions were collecting user data without adequate disclosure, engaging in hidden mining scripts, or negatively impacting browser performance.
We are committed to making Chrome faster, safer, and more private,” Google stated. “Extensions that violate user trust or degrade performance will be removed immediately.
📌 Extensions Most at Risk
Extensions that typically request excessive permissions—such as clipboard access, browsing history, or all-site access—are under the microscope. Users have reported that even popular tools like Grammarly clones, ad-blockers, and productivity boosters were either removed or temporarily disabled.
Impact on Developers and Users
Small developers who rely on Chrome extensions as their primary product distribution method are already facing backlash. Users, especially those in marketing and web tools niches, are also concerned about how these purges could affect their daily workflow.
Beetpool’s technical team, which often recommends browser-based mining tools for tracking, is advising its clients to reinstall only verified extensions and regularly audit permissions.
How to Check Your Extensions
- Open Chrome → Type
chrome://extensionsin the address bar. - Look for “Manifest V2” in the details (will be disabled in 2025).
- At-risk extensions show a warning label.
What You Can Do Now
- Go to
chrome://extensionsand remove anything you don’t recognize. - Check which extensions have all-site access.
- Reinstall only from known developers with strong reviews and recent updates.
User Backlash & Alternatives
- Developers Protest: uBlock Origin’s creator called this a “death sentence for open-source tools” .
- Switch Browsers:
- Enterprise Workaround: Chrome Enterprise policies allow temporary delays .
Why This Matters
- Privacy Risks: Manifest V3 lets Google whitelist its own trackers.
- Financial Impact: 75% of Chrome users rely on ad blockers .
- Legal Heat: The EU is investigating potential antitrust violations .
For more extension lists
Full list of removed extensions via TechCrunch.
If you rely on browser tools for your creative or marketing work, check out our Canva Pro In-Depth Review to see why it remains a top choice in 2025—even as Chrome tightens extension security.
Posted by: Expert Analysis Hub Team
Category: Web Tools → Hot
Tags: Chrome Extensions, Google 2025, Web Tools, Browser Security, Productivity Tools, Chrome Purge.