Recently, Google has stepped up its game actions against the use of ad blockers, taking controversial measures that are sparking widespread discussion online. Among these, the introduction of a five-second delay when using browsers other than Chrome and Chromium stands out. This move caused outrage among users, especially Firefox users, and generated intense debate over the Google's anticompetitive policies and on the future of web browsing.
Google against Ad Blockers: an incorrect strategy towards users
Google recently implemented a strategy that penalizes users of non-Chromium browsers, introducing a five-second delay in page loading. This move, apparently aimed at discourage the use of ad blockers, sparked a wave of reactions among users. Many of these reactions have emerged on platforms such as Reddit, where users shared conflicting experiences and opinions.
This behavior from Google is beyond disgusting! Artificial wait on YouTube now if you're not using Chrome / Edge.
byu/Rytoxz infirefox
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Google's controversial decision has sparked a broader discussion about anti-competitive policies and control exercised by large companies on the online ecosystem. Google's goal, according to some, would not only be to fight ad blockers, but also to strengthen its position in the browser market, favoring Chrome to the detriment of other browsers such as Firefox.
Users' irritation mainly focuses on the fact that the penalty is based exclusively on the identification of the browser via the user agent. By changing the user agent to Chrome, ad blockers like uBlock Origin continue to work without problems, suggesting that Google's measure is not so much a direct attack on ad blockers, but rather a tactic to influence users' browser choice .
Small parenthesis: what is the user agent?
The user agent is a text string sent by browsers to websites, which ccontains information on the type of browser and operating system used. This information allows websites to adapt their content based on the user's device. Google uses the user agent to identify users who do not use Chrome or browsers derived from Chromium, applying the delay in loading pages to the latter.
Interestingly, the discussion has expanded beyond tech communities, reaching and generating platforms like Hacker News debates about the balance between corporate control and user freedom of choice. While some defend Google's right to manage its platform as it sees fit, others raise concerns about the possible implications of these policies for the diversity and accessibility of the web.
Through | 404Media
