Ad blocker provider criticizes Facebook
In the future, Facebook wants to technically undermine ad blockers. The world's leading adblocker provider Eyon is sharply critical.
On the subject: Facebook shows ad blockers the fight
If Facebook now also wants to force advertising on users of ad blockers, this is "a regrettable step, as it is acting against the decision of the users here," explained Ben Williams, spokesman for the Cologne-based company Eyeo (photo). Eyeo offers the popular web blocker "Adblock Plus".
"Cat and mouse game"
"The consequences remain to be seen for now, after all, the cat-and-mouse game has existed since spam mails learned to bypass spam mail filters." Imposing ads, he said, will have no added value for users, publishers or advertisers. Facebook had announced it would bypass ad blockers when using the service on a desktop computer or laptop. At the same time, Facebook criticized the practice of blocker operators collecting money for allowing previously blocked ads. Eyeo is now counting on allies to defend against Facebook's measure. "We assume that the community will find an answer." With "Adblock Plus," Eyeo says volunteers maintain the list of "acceptable ads" that are not blocked.
Threat to the business model
Advertising revenue is by far the most important source of income for Facebook. They brought the company $6.2 billion in the second quarter, 62 percent more than in the same period last year. At the same time, the number of ad blockers in use worldwide has more than tripled in the last two and a half years. The blocking out of online advertising by apps like "Adblock Plus" is also a thorn in the side of many media companies, because if everyone has an ad blocker, the advertising customer no longer pays.
Swiss media also under pressure
It is not known how many Internet users in Switzerland use a blocker. In Germany, the figure is around a quarter. In a survey conducted by the SDA news agency last fall, the Tamedia media company said that adblockers were still less widespread in Switzerland than in other countries. The Grisons-based media house Somedia estimated the proportion of readers with ad blockers at less than ten percent. But in this country, too, the programs seem to be becoming more popular: Readers are installing blockers to an increasing extent, said the NZZ. And Ringier wrote that adblocking was a challenge that would occupy the publisher even more in the future. In Germany, the Axel Springer publishing house caused a stir last October. It automatically blocked editorial content on the Bild.de portal for users with ad blockers. (SDA)
