Countless pixels have died in the battle over adtech. I’ve long held the view that I’m happy to view the ads but I object strongly to being tracked and having arbitrary scripts run on my machine. Some time ago, I installed Ghostery as a compromise that would block the trackers but allow legitimate ads through. Of course, since virtually all ads are tracking ads that had the happy side benefit of blocking almost all ads.
After the latest example of malware being delivered by the ad networks at legitimate—and presumably safe—sites like the New York Times and the BBC, I’m considering adding another blocker to filter everything. I do understand the legitimate concerns of sites that depend on advertising but enough is enough. The ad networks have lost all claims on our sympathy and good will and those depending on them had better find better solution because I’m sure I’m not alone on being fed up. Clean up your acts or stay the hell off my machines.
Here are three tweets from Matt Blaze that capture the situation nicely:
The problem isn't ad blockers. The problem is that
"ads" are more than just ads. They've become vectors for
trackers and malware.— matt blaze (@mattblaze) March
18, 2016
Web ads have become a system where when you walk into a
store, an army of salespeople secretly follow you home. Occasionally
they rob you..— matt blaze (@mattblaze) March
18, 2016
If serving people malware is part of your business model,
your business isn't publishing, it's crime.— matt
blaze (@mattblaze) March
18, 2016