My latest blog at OpenMedia.org uses the freshly-declared war between Facebook and AdBlock Plus as a framework for the discussion of ad-blocking software: and why its necessary to protect our privacy, our computer security, and frankly, our sanity!
"Ad-blockers are programs which do pretty much what you’d expect: they scan content loading into your web browser and block any elements which look like – or are known to be – advertisements. For those of us who use ad-blockers, they’re a godsend. It’s no secret that throughout our daily lives, online and offline, we are continually bombarded by every manner of advertising. Transit ads, billboards, TV commercials, radio jingles, street posters, spam email… just to name a few. When it comes to the web browser, though, advertisers have taken their already-potent methods and weaponized them."