# Ad blocking

[Stuff.co.nz](https://www.stuff.co.nz/) is a leading New Zealand-based news website, covering local and international news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and more. Launched in 2000, it is owned by Stuff Ltd and is known for its engaging content and journalistic integrity.

*stuff without ads*

*stuff with ads*

[News.yahoo.com](https://news.yahoo.com/) is a comprehensive news portal operated by Yahoo, offering global and regional news, sports, entertainment, finance, and lifestyle content. Launched in the 1990s, it has grown into a widely-used platform, known for aggregating news from various sources and providing user-friendly customization options.

*yahoo without ads*

*yahoo with ads*
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###### *Response to Don Marti, 2017, “Targeted advertising considered harmful,” zgp, Sven Taylor, 2020, “Advertisers are paying off ad-blockers to show users ‘acceptable ads’” and Ax Sharma, 2022, “Google ad for GIMP.org served info-stealing malware via lookalike site”*

### Knowing what we know about online advertising, should users be able to easily block ads? If so, who then pays for the free content and services we consume?

People should have the power to block ads effortlessly, particularly when taking into account the privacy and security issues that arise from online advertising. Don Marti (2017) believes targeted advertising is damaging, as it undermines trust and fosters a deceptive market. Moreover, Ax Sharma (2022) highlights that harmful ads can facilitate phishing attacks, like the one that used a GIMP.org ad to distribute malware through an imitation website.

At the same time, it's crucial to recognize that ads finance free content and services on the web. Many websites rely on advertising revenue, and without it, they may need to find other ways to fund their operations, such as subscriptions or donations.

Sven Taylor (2020) introduces the idea of "acceptable ads," which can be considered a middle ground, enabling users to block intrusive ads while still supporting free online content and services. These ads must adhere to certain standards, like being non-invasive and clearly labelled as advertisements. In this arrangement, advertisers compensate ad-blockers for displaying these acceptable ads to users, allowing websites to earn revenue while respecting users' preferences.

However, it's vital to uphold transparency and prevent conflicts of interest between ad-blockers and advertisers. Users should be informed about the acceptable ads initiative and be granted the choice to opt-out if they wish.

In conclusion, the ability for users to easily block ads is crucial given the potential privacy and security risks associated with online advertising. However, it is essential to find alternative revenue models that support the provision of free content and services on the internet. Ultimately, transparency and user control should be prioritized to maintain a healthy and sustainable online ecosystem.