5 ms·

This sounds like a win/win policy. 1) Users that tolerate some ads no longer need to install an adblocker. 2) Legit advertisers don't get their ads blocked be

This sounds like a win/win policy. 1) Users that tolerate some ads no longer need to install an adblocker. 2) Legit advertisers don't get their ads blocked because fewer people use ad blockers 3) Crappy advertisers go out of business. Now lets hope that GDPR manages to get rid of the ubiquitous tracking and the web might actually become a nicer place again!

larrik 9y ago
Of course, ads with exploits and malware that inject into your computer can be invisible and hard to detect as "intrusive", which this doesn't seem to recognize or handle. I'll stick with ad-block.
- eli 9y ago
  This justification always reminds me of the advice to run SSH on a non-standard port. Sure, I guess that makes you less of a target for bad actors, but if your browser can be compromised by simply visiting a website, that's a serious problem that's going to bite you whether you block ads or not.
  - kakarot 9y ago
    What are you talking about? You're saying that theoretically, because there may be worse exploits from advanced actors that can target you for visiting a website, you shouldn't worry about basic security and whitelisting? Do you not lock your door at night, either, just because someone could smash through your windows?
    - BenjiWiebe 9y ago
      The SSH on a nonstandard port thing... I do it so I know if I see a failed login attempt, it's someone who is trying a lot harder than the average attacker and something I should investigate more fully.
      - kakarot 9y ago
        Correct, most people (including myself) use it more for filtering noise than increased security by obscurity. Which makes it an even less effective analogy.
    - eli 9y ago
      Are there stats on how malware spreads? I suspect hacked websites & spam email are a more common source of infection than ad networks. It's not theoretical nor does it imply an advanced actor.
      - kakarot 9y ago
        I have personally been infected with malware through ads alone.
  - SAI_Peregrinus 9y ago
    It's much closer to the advice to run antivirus, use a firewall, and apply updates. Exploits are discovered, but there are often mitigations available before fixes come around. By applying the mitigations (AV, firewall, adblock) you can prevent at least some of the exploits until fixes (browser updates) are released.
tmorton 9y ago
Users lose because "legit" advertising is still toxic. Want some low-tar cigarettes?

larrik 9y ago

Of course, ads with exploits and malware that inject into your computer can be invisible and hard to detect as "intrusive", which this doesn't seem to recognize or handle. I'll stick with ad-block.

eli 9y ago
This justification always reminds me of the advice to run SSH on a non-standard port. Sure, I guess that makes you less of a target for bad actors, but if your browser can be compromised by simply visiting a website, that's a serious problem that's going to bite you whether you block ads or not.
- kakarot 9y ago
  What are you talking about? You're saying that theoretically, because there may be worse exploits from advanced actors that can target you for visiting a website, you shouldn't worry about basic security and whitelisting? Do you not lock your door at night, either, just because someone could smash through your windows?
  - BenjiWiebe 9y ago
    The SSH on a nonstandard port thing... I do it so I know if I see a failed login attempt, it's someone who is trying a lot harder than the average attacker and something I should investigate more fully.
    - kakarot 9y ago
      Correct, most people (including myself) use it more for filtering noise than increased security by obscurity. Which makes it an even less effective analogy.
  - eli 9y ago
    Are there stats on how malware spreads? I suspect hacked websites & spam email are a more common source of infection than ad networks. It's not theoretical nor does it imply an advanced actor.
    - kakarot 9y ago
      I have personally been infected with malware through ads alone.
- SAI_Peregrinus 9y ago
  It's much closer to the advice to run antivirus, use a firewall, and apply updates. Exploits are discovered, but there are often mitigations available before fixes come around. By applying the mitigations (AV, firewall, adblock) you can prevent at least some of the exploits until fixes (browser updates) are released.

tmorton 9y ago

Users lose because "legit" advertising is still toxic. Want some low-tar cigarettes?