Did Google pay Adblock Plus to not block their ads?

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 06 Jul 2013 5:44 User comments (10)

According to multiple reports, Google has been paying the makers of Adblock Plus to not block their ads.

Adblock Plus is the most popular extension for both Chrome and Firefox, due to its ability to block banners, display ads and pop-ups during browsing.

The report claims that Google (and others) have been paying to be included on a "whitelist" that prevents blocking by the free browser extension.

Adblock Plus normally offers whitelisting for free to smaller websites under its Acceptable Ads whitelist, which states "unobtrusive ads should remain viewable as long as they aren't annoying."

In their FAQ, the company says "Managing this list requires significant effort on our side and this task cannot be completely taken over by volunteers. That's why we are being paid by some larger properties that serve nonintrusive advertisements."

Tags: Google Adblock Plus

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10 user comments

17.7.2013 10:18

xtago

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Senior Member

Not sure if they are getting paid but some sites have been complaining about the adblocking and want some ads to be shown.

This sort of thing came up last year I think, you can alter the lists yourself anyway if you really wanted.

27.7.2013 12:36

Jemborg

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Senior Member

You can uncheck the "unobtrusive advertisements" on install or in settings...

OR you can change to Adblock Edge which is the version of AB+ with advertising removed altogether.

For sites that insist that you turn it off for them... open them in Sandboxie is my advice as AB is also used for privacy etc.

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This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 07 Jul 2013 @ 12:39

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

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37.7.2013 14:25

Mrguss

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Senior Member

I notice that my ad-block's extensions ware disable last week. all I did is just re-instal them and they are working ok; like supposed to.

My favorite:
YouTube Unblocker.- Unblock YouTube videos, which are blocked because of copyright reasons or country restrictions.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 07 Jul 2013 @ 2:39

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47.7.2013 21:48

Jemborg

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Senior Member

Originally posted by Mrguss:
My favorite:
YouTube Unblocker.- Unblock YouTube videos, which are blocked because of copyright reasons or country restrictions.

Thanks... you're not just a pretty face!

:)

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

DSE VZ300-
Zilog Z80 CPU, 32KB RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 16 colours (text mode), 5.25" FDD

58.7.2013 15:20

dEwMe

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Senior Member

Any alternatives for Andriod? I have noticed it doesn't seem to be working well there either

Just my $0.02,

dEwMe

68.7.2013 23:22

scorpNZ

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AfterDawn Addict

Wondered why i was seeing ads goodbye adblock-plus and adblock-lite,hello adblock-edge & you tube unblocker

http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/

710.7.2013 20:56

Bozobub

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Senior Member

No need to ditch Adblock+; just uncheck "Allow some non-intrusive advertising", under Adblock+'s Filter preferences (ctrl-shift-f). Less drama, works just fine ^^' ...

Frankly, I left it checked and have seen few problems, but YMMV.

810.7.2013 22:54

lily2

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Newbie

Does that mean other company can keep the ads in the same paying way???

910.7.2013 23:31

Bozobub

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Senior Member

Originally posted by lily2:
Does that mean other company can keep the ads in the same paying way???

Yes and no. The creator of the plugin is trying to walk a fine line. It's obvious he doesn't let anyone waving a dollar run an ad, because then the app would be utterly useless; so he has to make choices *shrug*. But yes, of course he has the capability to do so.

Edit--> I still don't see much of a problem with it, considering you can *completely* disable ads in the settings; it really is a moot point. And yes, you probably should see occasional ads, as you surf the free site(s) you frequent the most. Servers and content ain't free, you know.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 10 Jul 2013 @ 11:33

1011.7.2013 01:47

Jemborg

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Senior Member

Sites that host the actual ad on it's page and not just it's generic ad site link will still show and will have to be the go if people want to make sure that they are seen in future.

Adblock Edge is the same as AB+ but without that option which might be a hassle for some to find.

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

DSE VZ300-
Zilog Z80 CPU, 32KB RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 16 colours (text mode), 5.25" FDD

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Did Google pay Adblock Plus to not block their ads?

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