Subj : YouTube's test run of the 'three strikes you're out' policy again
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Thu Jun 29 2023 21:15:03

YouTube's test run of the 'three strikes you're out' policy against ad 
blockers seems like a bit much

Date:
Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Description:
In an increasingly aggressive move, Google has been experimenting with a 
YouTube popup that implements a 'three strike' rule against ad blocker users.

FULL STORY
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Back in May 2023, it was reported that Google had been testing out an anti 
ad-block experiment for YouTube, one that involved a pop-up stating that 
ad-blockers are no longer allowed on the website. Following that, you were 
prevented from using the site unless you disabled the ad-blocker or 
subscribed to YouTube Premium. 

Now the tech giant is reportedly becoming more aggressive in its war against 
ad-blockers, with a new three strike system. Reddit user Reddit_n_Me first 
spotted this popup, which includes three numbered boxes along with the 
message video player will be blocked after 3 videos. 

Its then followed by an explanation for this popup, as well as the same 
buttons from the last popup experiment for Allow YouTube Ads and Try YouTube 
Premium. (Image credit: Reddit) 

According to other Redditors in the comments of that post, those who use 
uBlock Origin havent seen this particular popup screen. Of course, its a 
pretty narrow list of users being tested as of now, so we dont know the full 
extent of this new experiment. The ongoing war on ad blockers 

Before these more recent experiments began to crop up, Google had already 
been warring against ad blockers. Back in early 2016, the company briefly 
banned ad-blockers from its Play Store only to revert its decision not long 
after. But it didn't stop there. 

In 2022, Google banned Android VPN apps that didnt use the VPNService API 
(Application Programming Interface) from the Play Store, claiming that they 
interfered with advertising. And in that same year, YouTube Vanced, which was 
used as an ad-free alternative to the social media site, was taken down from 
the Play Store . 

Not to mention that the shift to Manifest v3 API for Google Chrome would 
disable most ad-blockers outright. Google claims that this shift is to 
protect users security and privacy, as well as offer a material performance 
boost. However, considering how aggressive the tech giant has been, its more 
likely that this is an effort to kill most ad-blockers, especially since 
Chrome owns the overwhelming browser market share. 

And lets be real: ads on YouTube are becoming unbearable, as they run longer 
and occur more often. For instance, if you watch YouTube on your smart TV, 
youll be experiencing "30 second non-skips [adverts] to YouTube Select on 
CTV" according to a new plan to increase adverts . There are also plans for 
"bringing new Pause experiences to CTV," meaning that when you pause a video, 
an ad will play next to that video. 

Its a grim future, to say the least, and one that would either make YouTube 
nearly unwatchable or force you to fork over both your money and data to big 
brother Google.



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/computing/social-media/youtubes-test-run-of-the-thre
e-strikes-youre-out-policy-against-ad-blockers-seems-like-a-bit-much


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