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Google Removing Ad-Blockers From Play

Posted by samzenpus on from the ads-for-everyone dept.

SirJorgelOfBorgel writes "It appears Google has begun removing ad-blocker apps for Android from the Play store, citing breaches of the Play Store Developer Distribution Agreement. The apps would be welcome back as soon as they no longer violated the agreement, though that doesn't seem possible while keeping the apps' core functionality intact." Update: 03/18 20:06 GMT by U L : You can still easily install ad blockers using F-Droid, the Free Software only replacement for Play.

7 of 337 comments (clear)

  1. Play store not the only source by Teun · · Score: 3, Interesting

    At least Android is open enough to allow installation from outside the Play Store.
    Though after the initial availability this change of heart does surprise me.

    --
    "The likes of Facebook and WhatsApp are free to those whose privacy is of zero value."
    1. Re:Play store not the only source by transporter_ii · · Score: 5, Interesting

      A quick look on Amazon and there is at least one ad blocker available. People can say what they like about Amazon, but I'm really glad they started their app store for Android. As far as is possible with app stores, it forced some choices there that I'm sure Google didn't in any way want.

      On the other hand, we as consumers helped enable app stores. It was a pretty big shift from the way hardware/software has historically worked. Microsoft is now tripping all over itself to get a piece of the action. Make the hardware, and then make a cut off of every app sold. Yeah. A wet dream from MS. Hey, not only that, but they get final approval over the apps in the store. Double yeah!

      --
      Doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, religion destroys spirituality
    2. Re:Play store not the only source by erroneus · · Score: 5, Interesting

      I have had my share of trouble with Amazon's app store and apps/games acquired through it. Guess what happens to your apps/games when you remove the Amazon app store? Nothing works. Not going to play that game any longer... I quit that game quite some time ago. But it seems Google's store (play) is similar though no one actually removes the play store do they?

      So the only way to be in control of your apps is to pirate them or acquire them directly from the maker which is often not an available option.

      Seriously, I feel icky downloading a $3 app or game from a torrent site. I'd rather pay for it. But there are advantages to getting it the other way... and risks... and I still pay when I can. $3-$5 apps is the way things ought to be!

    3. Re:Play store not the only source by jedidiah · · Score: 4, Interesting

      You know what that sounds like?

      LINUX

      People are just doing to Google what Google is doing to the community.

      If ad infested versions of basic freeware system utilities become less prevalent then that would not be such a tragedy really.

      --
      A Pirate and a Puritan look the same on a balance sheet.
  2. If you like an app buy it by r6_jason · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If you like an app, pay the dollar or two for the ad free version, other wise you're stealing from the developer of the app, justify it however you like, but it is theft.

  3. GNU forks of Android and Play needed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The subject says it all, but unpacking the two issues:

    - We need a GNU (or Debian) fork of Android so that key user protections like a preconfigured Netfilter firewall are available out of the box, as well as a root account and full set of root admin tools. Google's protection of advertisers by giving apps free reign once you've installed them needs to end.

    - We need a GNU (or Debian) fork of Google Play to carry full-source free software apps including ad blockers and other forms of user-based control, like a NoScript equivalent. Google is utterly not on the user's side in this regard, and their hegemony needs to end. Our devices belong to us, not to Google.

  4. Re:Good by somersault · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Android is completely open. The Google Play Store is not, and therefore Google can do what they like with it. Developers release free versions of some apps on the premise that they will earn money through ads instead. So really they are protecting the developers from abuse here.

    Think a little more before trying to be a smartass.

    --
    which is totally what she said