YouTube without AdBlock: Google declares war on ad blockers
Google’s recent efforts to restrict the use of ad-blocking programs have reached new heights, going beyond the initial fight against YouTube playback. Now the tech giant has set its sights on third-party apps that allow you to stream YouTube videos without ads.
In a support document, Google explicitly warns users who access YouTube content through such apps about possible buffering issues or an error message with a similar type of warning:
Emphasizing strict adherence to the terms of service, Google reaffirms its position by allowing developers to use the official YouTube API only in accordance with the requirements that explicitly prohibit any ad blockers. Although the company is vague about the consequences, it hints at “appropriate measures” against violators.
Recognizing users’ preference for no ads on the platform, Google offers to subscribe to YouTube Premium, which costs $14 per month for Android users or $19 for iOS subscribers. In addition, an annual subscription is offered at a discounted price of $139.
This initiative is nothing new. The first stage of Google’s fight against ad blockers was launched last year: at first, users were offered to disable the blocking software when a pop-up window appeared. Subsequent measures around the world have limited ad-blocker users to only three videos or completely blocked access to them, and now even third-party workarounds have been removed.
