Since this submission relates to blocking ads and trackers, I think it's worth bringing up that uBlock Origin [0] is better than Adblock Plus in (all?) ways (see the README for more details). I migrated to it a few years ago and overall I've been very happy with the outcome. I'm opposed to all tracking that isn't opt-in by default. I haven't thought about the topic at great lengths, so there may be cases which I'm fa…
The only reason for still using ABP is because you haven't heard of uBlock.
German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
61–70 of 273 posts
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#62Since this submission relates to blocking ads and trackers, I think it's worth bringing up that uBlock Origin [0] is better than Adblock Plus in (all?) ways (see the README for more details). I migrated to it a few years ago and overall I've been very happy with the outcome. I'm opposed to all tracking that isn't opt-in by default. I haven't thought about the topic at great lengths, so there may be cases which I'm fa…
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#63Earlier quoted context omitted.
I prefer something like ublock as well, but I wouldn't call what AB+ is doing a morally ambiguous question. I think this is actually pretty straight forward all around. I can install or uninstall software on my computer. Websites can serve ads. Websites can block me from viewing their site if I have an ad blocker installed. AB+ can whitelist sites. A website can or can not pay AB+ to be whitelisted.
> Websites can block me from viewing their site if I have an ad blocker installed. They can try, but it's fundamentally impossible.
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#64Since this submission relates to blocking ads and trackers, I think it's worth bringing up that uBlock Origin [0] is better than Adblock Plus in (all?) ways (see the README for more details). I migrated to it a few years ago and overall I've been very happy with the outcome. I'm opposed to all tracking that isn't opt-in by default. I haven't thought about the topic at great lengths, so there may be cases which I'm fa…
Unfortunately there is no Ublock Origin for Safari.
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#65Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#66I'm interested in eventual Google's reaction to ad-blocking software. Will they try to weld ads to web technologies or they'll accept the current situation?
¹ http://adage.com/article/digital/google-s-ad-boss-ad-blockin...
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#67Earlier quoted context omitted.
Or because you use Safari.
Could you explain why you use Safari, other than it was pre-installed with your OS>
That said, there's now ublock origin for Safari which is what I use.
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#68Earlier quoted context omitted.
Blocking ads is the only reason that makes me depend on root. I built a script[1] that generates flashable zip and from time to time I update it on my phone. [1] https://github.com/zant95/hBlock
If you weren't aware, if you have root there's AdAway: https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=adaway&fdid=...
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#69Earlier quoted context omitted.
The only reason for still using ABP is because you haven't heard of uBlock.
Or because you use Safari.
Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal
#70Any other verdict would be a potential legal risk to Google and everyone else in the ad business for the following reason: if Google can force its users to see ads, this basically means that they are not providing a free service any more, but that Google and the user engage in an exchange: Google provides the search service, and the user agrees to look at a few ads in return. Legally speaking, this could be seen as b…
> This sounds absurd at first sight Yes, companies paying their fair share of taxes is absurd.
We could reframe that argument to say that Google should provide a fair share of jobs to the unemployed. Billions of revenue but far fewer employees than some companies half the size. Clearly Google isn't hiring a 'fair share' of workers right?
We can ride this all the way into absurdity. We shouldn't be judging companies by opinion-based metrics like "fair share" but instead on their net economic contribution to the economy -- not their contribution to a government.
If Google paid zero tax, the economy is far better off with them than without them; look at the jobs it provides (and the economic activity those generate,) look at the return on investment to shareholders (which helps those shareholders earn money they can invest in other ventures.)
It isn't all about taxes. Google spends money far more effectively than government. Google should pay taxes at an amount commensurate with the public goods they consume -- not a cent more. Remember, taxes aren't ever paid by companies -- they are paid by individuals. You raise taxes on Google, you raise taxes on every person with any sort of relationship with Google.