Over the past couple of months, the practice of ad blocking has received heightened ethical scrutiny. (1,2,3,4) If you’re unfamiliar with the term, “ad blocking” refers to software—usually web browser plug-ins, but increasingly mobile apps—that stop most ads from appearing when you use websites or apps that would otherwise show them. Arguments against ad blocking
Advertising needs to become as socially acceptable as smoking.
It arbitrary pollutes any environment it’s conducted in, and causes secondary harms to non-participants by incentivising insecure hoarding of private information with the intent to better target individuals.
I’d personally start with billboards but instead now the billboards are screens too, not adjusted for night time to avoid distracting or blinding drivers and zero consideration for neighbors that have their backyards illuminated.
Advertising needs to become as socially acceptable as smoking.
It arbitrary pollutes any environment it’s conducted in, and causes secondary harms to non-participants by incentivising insecure hoarding of private information with the intent to better target individuals.
I’d personally start with billboards but instead now the billboards are screens too, not adjusted for night time to avoid distracting or blinding drivers and zero consideration for neighbors that have their backyards illuminated.