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They allow VPN and DNS-based blockers, request interceptors in Safari (so-called Content Blockers) and are adding support for WebExtensions to Safari in next iO

They allow VPN and DNS-based blockers, request interceptors in Safari (so-called Content Blockers) and are adding support for WebExtensions to Safari in next iOS release. Plus there are 3rd-party browsers with build-in content blockers, like Brave and Firefox Focus. Safari itself is doing clever stuff with Tracking Protection (https://webkit.org/tracking-prevention/ https://webkit.org/tracking-prevention/). All apps I run use SafariViewController for in-app web browsing, so the same ad blocking systems kick in, too, and the app itself has very limited capabilities to track our web activity. Facebook is sole notable exception. They also added "App Tracking" prompt recently. I doesn't do much for technical standpoint (like DNT header in browsers), but Apple _can_ enforce it via app publishing restrictions - only if they choose to do so. I'd say they are very close to Android or desktop macOS.

the_gipsy 5y ago
Request interceptors are simply subpar. I understand the motivation, which is prevent adblockers themselves from spying on you, but in practice I would prefer to be able to install uBlock origin which is excellent on desktop and Android. The Safari WebView restriction means there is no browser choice. I cannot put any trust in iOS supporting WebExtensions in a meaningful way, given their track record of undermining web technology - but hopefully I will be proven wrong.
arepublicadoceu 5y ago
> They allow VPN and DNS-based blockers, request interceptors in Safari (so-called Content Blockers) Yeah, DNS based blockers misses a LOT of ads and webannoyances. And if you think that the content blockers are good enough you probably havent been using youtube lately on safari as they are now able bypass all current content blockers that I tested (adguard[1], 1blocker, wipr). > ... and are adding support for WebExtensions to Safari in next iOS release. Yeah, but I'm not holding my breathe that they will allow extensions similar to uBlock and noscript (hope to be wrong). > I'd say they are very close to Android or desktop macOS. Anyone with experience using uBlock/NoScript/uMatrix can attest that content blockers on iOS is not close at all, it's just a skeleton of uBlock Origin capabilities. [1]adguard created a shortcut extension to bypass the content blocker restriction but its utterly annoying to do it everytime some random video.

the_gipsy 5y ago

Request interceptors are simply subpar. I understand the motivation, which is prevent adblockers themselves from spying on you, but in practice I would prefer to be able to install uBlock origin which is excellent on desktop and Android. The Safari WebView restriction means there is no browser choice. I cannot put any trust in iOS supporting WebExtensions in a meaningful way, given their track record of undermining web technology - but hopefully I will be proven wrong.

arepublicadoceu 5y ago

> They allow VPN and DNS-based blockers, request interceptors in Safari (so-called Content Blockers) Yeah, DNS based blockers misses a LOT of ads and webannoyances. And if you think that the content blockers are good enough you probably havent been using youtube lately on safari as they are now able bypass all current content blockers that I tested (adguard[1], 1blocker, wipr). > ... and are adding support for WebExtensions to Safari in next iOS release. Yeah, but I'm not holding my breathe that they will allow extensions similar to uBlock and noscript (hope to be wrong). > I'd say they are very close to Android or desktop macOS. Anyone with experience using uBlock/NoScript/uMatrix can attest that content blockers on iOS is not close at all, it's just a skeleton of uBlock Origin capabilities. [1]adguard created a shortcut extension to bypass the content blocker restriction but its utterly annoying to do it everytime some random video.