Facebook takes aim at ad-blocking software

Facebook has fired a warning shot at ad-blocking software by making changes that will force desktop users to see adverts.

The rising popularity of ad-blockers poses a threat to online businesses that rely on advertising revenue.

The social network told users it understood how annoying ads could be.

It promised to better offer tools for controlling what material does make it through to users' newsfeeds.

"As we offer people more powerful controls, we'll also begin showing ads on Facebook desktop for people who currently use ad blocking software," said Facebook's advertising vice-president Andrew Bosworth in a blog post.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37026776

Not a problem for me................not a Facebook member/user, it's bad enough having to put up with "sneaky" ads rolling across the bottom to the TV in the middle of a TV program.

For my part a BIG Thank you to those as-blocker software creators. :)

Don't use Facebook myself either Tas, but just passing on info for those who do.

First adblocker finds workaround... Adblock Plus

https://adblockplus.org/blog/fb-reblock-ad-blocking-community-finds-workaround-to-facebook

I bet their biggest threat is people like me who have a filter to block everything Facebook related. :lol:

But them trying to get around ad blocking wouldn't work in my case since they're also blocked via my HOSTS file, and in my hardware firewall to support devices (PS3, PS4, etc.,) without any ad blocking or HOSTS file capabilities.

..and the games have begun

[update: A source says Facebook is now rolling out the code update that will disable Adblock Plus’ workaround. It should reach all users soon.

Update 2 – Aug 12, 4:30am PT: Now Adblock Plus says they’ve pushed another workaround]

Update 3 – Aug 12, 10:05am PT: And Facebook has already broken the new workaround from Adblock Plus, which vows to strike back soon. In a new blog post, Adblock Plus declared “Trampling on users’ free will is not sustainable — even if you’re Facebook”. The company writes

https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/11/friendblock/