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uBlock Origin is giving up the fight to keep ads off Facebook (digitalescapetools.com)

724 points by Markoff · 14 days ago · 918 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the challenges faced by uBlock Origin in blocking ads on Facebook, with some commenters speculating about the potential use of AI to mask or remove ads. The conversation also touches on the role of Apple and other companies in the ad ecosystem. Some commenters express concerns about the impact of AI on the browsing experience and the potential for companies to control the entire stack. The discussion also mentions the use of browser extensions like F.B. Purity to block ads on Facebook.

Main themes

  • Ad blocking
  • AI and ads
  • Browser control
  • Facebook and ads
  • Apple's role
  • Surveillance ecosystem

What commenters say

  • The use of AI to mask or remove ads could be a game-changer in the ad-blocking landscape, but it may also be used to add or replace ads in a way that's impossible to remove.
  • Apple is unlikely to lead the charge in blocking ads due to its lucrative search engine deal with Google and its own ad business.
  • The ad ecosystem is inherently shady and adversarial, making it difficult for websites to take ownership of ads and for ad blockers to effectively block them.
  • Browser extensions like F.B. Purity have been effective in blocking ads on Facebook, but their long-term viability is uncertain due to concerns about the developer's well-being.
  • The use of AI to understand visual cues for advertisements could be a viable solution for ad blocking, but it would require significant advancements in technology and may be vulnerable to ad tweaks.
  • The ad industry's reliance on JavaScript and fingerprinting makes it difficult for websites to satisfy ad buyers while also protecting user privacy.
  • Some commenters believe that trust between websites and users could solve the ad-blocking issue, but it would come at a huge premium and may not be feasible.
  • The development of AI-powered ad blocking could lead to a cat-and-mouse game between ad blockers and ad providers, with each side trying to outmaneuver the other.