Block FLoC ad-targeting code on Chrome

Latest Version

Version
0.0.2
Update
April 19, 2021
Size
15.5KiB
Developer
Category
Users
147
Rating
5 ★
Manifest Version
2
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English (United States)
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Permissions
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FLoC Block Extension

FLoC, short for Federated Learning of Cohorts, is the new algorithm used by Google Chrome to group users into buckets based on their interests. You can read more about it here: https://web.dev/floc, and why Brave and some other browsers have blocked it here: https://brave.com/why-brave-disables-floc/.

If you HAVE to use Chrome, this extension is a simple way to prevent FLoC from divulging your \"cohort id\" to websites. You can also consider using DuckDuckGo's extension for this plus other privacy protections: https://spreadprivacy.com/block-floc-with-duckduckgo.

The extension inserts a script on every page load that removes the FLoC API (document.interestCohort()) so if a website tries to call that function, it will get an error. This is also unfortunately why the FLoC Block extension needs permission for all websites. However, it's completely open source so you can see what it's doing here: https://github.com/shivankaul/flocblock. I've included instructions on how to install from source.

Icons credit: https://www.freepik.com from https://www.flaticon.com
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "name": "FLoC Block", "version": "0.0.2", "manifest_version": 2, "description": "Block FLoC ad-targeting code on Chrome", "content_scripts": [ { "js": ["dist/inject.js"], "run_at": "document_start", "matches": [""] } ], "web_accessible_resources": ["dist/flocblock.js"], "icons": { "16": "assets/icon-16.png", "24": "assets/icon-24.png", "32": "assets/icon-32.png", "64": "assets/icon-64.png", "128": "assets/icon-128.png" }}
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How to download and manually install FLoC Block extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install FLoC Block extensions for Chrome, you can search for them in the Chrome Web Store, clicking the "Add to Chrome" button, and following the straightforward process.

However, you may need to install FLoC Block extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install FLoC Block extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

Method 1: Download FLoC Block extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

If you ever need to manually install a FLoC Block extension for Chrome, don't worry, it's a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have your extension ready to use in no time.

Step 1: Download the FLoC Block Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the FLoC Block extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the FLoC Block extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for FLoC Block extension that contains all the data.

Step 2: Extract &Arrange Files

Once the file is downloaded, extract that file into its own folder. Similarly, give that extension files a permanent home. In other words, keep it in a folder that you don't accidentally delete it because these files will be needed to make that extension work.

Step 3: Go to the Chrome Extensions Page

Open Google Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://extensions; it will open the Google Chrome extensions page. Make sure that "My extensions" is selected in the sidebar.

Step 4: Drag and Drop the Extension

Now, go to the folder where you extracted the FLoC Block extension and drag &drop the extension file from there anywhere onto the extension page within Google Chrome.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you drag and drop the extension file, follow the steps that Google Chrome takes you through. Similarly, if the extension file is of .crx file format, you will be required to review the permissions and then add the extension.

Now, you can manage that added extension as you would like to with any other Chrome extension that you added through Chrome Webstore. Its icon will also appear in the Google Chrome Menu on the right side of the address bar once you activate it.

Method 2: Download FLoC Block extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install FLoC Block extension manually, but the twist is that here, you install by enabling the developer mode option provided in Google Chrome. This mode is commonly used for testing extensions or running unpublished tools.

Step 1: Download the FLoC Block extension file

Select and download the FLoC Block extension by clicking the 'Download CRX' button on the website.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded contents

Convert the file to a ZIP file if it is in CRX format then extract the FLoC Block extension zip file or folder that you downloaded. Make sure you extract it using the same folder name and keep it safely in another folder, so you don't delete it by mistake. The extracted folder will be needed to keep your FLoC Block extension running.

Step 3: Open Chrome Extension Setting Page

In the address bar of Google Chrome, type chrome://extensions and open the Chrome Extension Page.

Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

After opening the Chrome Extension page, look at the top right side, and you will find the toggle option of "Developer mode."Simply enable that developer mode option.

Step 5: Load the Unpacked Extension

Once you enable the developer mode option, you will see the menu of Load Unpacked, Pack Extensions and Update. From that, select the option "Load unpacked."

Step 6: Select the Extension Folder

Once the pop-up opens upon clicking Load unpacked, select the FLoC Block extension directory and click on the "Select Folder "button.

Step 7: Confirm and Install

After you select an extension folder of a Google Chrome extension you're installing manually, confirm its installation for the final time and let the installation complete.

Conclusion

Here we've made a step-by-step guide on How to manually install FLoC Block extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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User reviews

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John Dow (ID: 000000c1dd39ff75) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 04/21/2021 A useful little extension to help maintain privacy if you must use chrome.