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German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

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61–70 of 273 posts

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#61

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.

Or because you use Safari.

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#62

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…

Unfortunately there is no Ublock Origin for Safari.

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#63
post #4

Earlier 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.

It's only impossible in a theoretical way that doesn't really matter. If it really does come to an anti-anti-anti-ad-blocker arms race it seems likely that the advertisers will win. The only reason they don't bother at the moment is that it isn't worth the hassle because not that many people use ad blockers.

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#64

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…

Unfortunately there is no Ublock Origin for Safari.

A little good news, a Safari fork now exists: https://github.com/el1t/uBlock-Safari

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The only reason for still using ABP is because you haven't heard of uBlock.

Or because you use Safari.

Could you explain why you use Safari, other than it was pre-installed with your OS>

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#66
post #3

I'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?

Google's reaction is to try and make better ads so that people won't want to block them. A 2016 interview¹ with Google's Senior VP-Ads reveals their focus is on a better ad experience; figuring out what's OK and what's not and respecting that.

¹ http://adage.com/article/digital/google-s-ad-boss-ad-blockin...

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or because you use Safari.

Could you explain why you use Safari, other than it was pre-installed with your OS>

Safari is actually really good when it comes to battery life. If I use Chrome (or Firefox to a lesser extent), my macbook's battery empties 30% faster. So, when my computer is not plugged in I tend to use Safari.

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

#68
post #16

Earlier 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=...

I know that app, but I have enjoyed creating my own project and currently I use it not only on my phone, but also on my laptop and router (with Tomato firmware ad blocker).

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The only reason for still using ABP is because you haven't heard of uBlock.

Or because you use Safari.

there is this fork: https://github.com/el1t/uBlock-Safari (found via https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13112280)

Re: German judges explain their decision that ad-blocking software is legal

#70
post #31
post #5

Any 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.

Please define "fair share." That is such a loaded term because it implies that the only benefit of a company to people is in the tax revenue it provides a government.

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.

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