The FBI now recommends using an ad blocker when searching the web (standard.co.uk)

Article summary

The FBI is advising people to use ad blockers as part of a warning about online scams. Ad-blocking extensions can help protect users against fraudulent ads that appear in search results. These ads can contain links to fake websites or malicious software downloads that try to steal login details or financial information. The FBI's recommendation highlights the risks of online advertising and the need for users to take precautions.

Main themes

• online security
• ad blockers
• user privacy
• malware protection
• browser fingerprinting
• alternative solutions
• ad blocking trade-offs

What commenters say

• Using ad blockers is a necessary precaution to protect against online scams and malware.
• Ad blockers can also help to protect user privacy by blocking tracking scripts and preventing data collection.
• Some ad blockers, such as adnauseam, may not be effective and could even add to the user's personal data profile.
• The use of ad blockers can have unintended consequences, such as making it easier to fingerprint a user's browser.
• Alternative solutions, such as Pi-hole, can provide network-wide ad blocking without requiring individual device setup.
• Some users prefer to use browsers with built-in ad blocking, such as Brave, for simplicity and ease of use.
• The effectiveness of ad blockers can vary depending on the specific implementation and the types of ads being blocked.
• There is a trade-off between blocking ads and supporting content creators, who rely on advertising revenue.