Google engineers want to make ad-blocking (near) impossible (stackdiary.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a proposal by Google engineers to make ad-blocking nearly impossible. The proposal has sparked concern among users and content creators. The details of the proposal are not available, but the discussion revolves around the impact of ads on the user experience and the role of Google in the online advertising ecosystem. The proposal is seen as a potential threat to the ability of users to control their online experience.

Main themes

• online advertising
• user autonomy
• ad-blocking
• Google's role in the online ecosystem
• ethics of software development
• online privacy
• manipulation and exploitation

What commenters say

• Google's proposal to make ad-blocking impossible is seen as a threat to user autonomy and a potential overreach of the company's power.
• Ads are a necessary evil to support free online content, but they can be intrusive and annoying when not implemented thoughtfully.
• The use of ads to manipulate users into buying things they don't need is a form of exploitation that should be resisted.
• Google engineers have a moral obligation to refuse to work on projects that they consider unethical, even if it means giving up their high-paying jobs.
• The high salaries of Google engineers give them the financial freedom to make ethical choices and refuse to work on projects that they consider harmful.
• The proposal is not just about ads, but about the broader issue of online privacy and the role of companies like Google in shaping the online experience.
• Users should have the option to pay for ad-free content and services, rather than being forced to view ads.
• The impact of ads on the user experience is not just about annoyance, but also about the potential for ads to be used as a tool for social control and manipulation.