Google changes extension model for Chrome, breaking ad blockers, reaction seems to be that it's an obvious power grab.
Apple changes extension model, breaking network blocker, reaction seems to be favorable.
Interestingly, Apple made this exact change in Safari first.
- there isn’t an obvious motive to handicap third-party developers here (applies to Safari adblocking as well)
- the stated motive of increased security and stability is entirely plausible
FWIW I tend towards assuming good faith in the case of Chrome as well. If we accept the reason given for Safari (because plausible & no obvious other, see above), it wouldn’t make much sense not to see the exact same motivation to be sufficient for Chrome. I’m not sure if Google having another, less user-friendly additional reason should make much of a difference. It’s only if the specifics around the alternative APIs diverge that Google’s ad business might become relevant again.