There might be a problem with YouTube’s “global efforts” to outlaw ad-blockers in the EU.
Expert in privacy Alexander Hanff allegedly complained to the Irish Data Protection Commission last month, claiming that YouTube’s ad-blocker detection mechanism violates users’ privacy and is prohibited by the EU’s ePrivacy Directive. The Google-owned video sharing app is being accused by Hanff of utilizing JavaScript code to identify ad-blocking plugins without getting permission from users.
The Verge, which first reported the story, was informed by Hanff that “AdBlock detection scripts are spyware—there is no other way to describe them and as such it is not acceptable to deploy them without consent.”
READ MORE: YouTube Establishes A Fresh Front In The Ongoing Battle Against Ad Blockers
In an effort to safeguard its ad-supported income stream and entice users to upgrade to its paid ad-free subscription plan, YouTube has been stepping up its efforts to prevent its users from using ad-blockers. Despite consumer unhappiness, YouTube’s strategy appears to be effective thus far. Parks Associates’ top 10 U.S. subscription video streaming services list was cracked by YouTube Premium, and reports suggest that ad-blockers are being uninstalled in large numbers. Furthermore, Google reported $7.95 billion in YouTube ad revenue for the third quarter, up from $7.07 billion in the same period the previous year.
Google supported the method.
A YouTube representative stated, “We’ve launched a global effort to urge viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.” Billions of people can access their favorite content on YouTube thanks to ads, which also sustain a diverse ecosystem of producers worldwide. Without a doubt, we will assist the DPC in any way that they ask.
Depending on the outcome of the privacy activists’ objections. YouTube may need to modify its strategies or possibly go to court.
YouTube’s 30-second unskippable ad test from May has changed the company’s strategy against ad-blockers. In July, users could watch three videos on YouTube for free if they had an active ad blocker. The site would then start to censor its material after that. The video app increased its anti-ad-blocker efforts by September. Some videos were fully blacked out, according to viewers who had their ad blocker activated.
Currently, a pop-up notification appears when a user tries to watch a YouTube video while with an ad-blocker installed. The warning informs viewers that ad-blockers are against YouTube’s terms of service and offers them the choice to either accept advertisements or upgrade to YouTube Premium.
For $13.99 a month, YouTube Premium provides viewers with an ad-free experience along with family and student options. Customers can browse YouTube Music Premium and download videos for offline viewing with a subscription.
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