Safer Internet: Browsing: Block Ads

Quotes | Summary | Block Pop-ups | Avoid Pop-ups |
Install Ad Blocker | Unblock Sites | Remove Adware |
References: General | Android | Chrome |
Firefox | iOS | macOS | Windows | Wipr

Quotes

  • NYT crossword clue: 8A. Internet nuisance...

Summary

[1] Block Pop-ups

  • Some browsers have a site-by-site preference, others global -- for no/all sites
  • macOS: Safari > Preferences > Web Sites > Popup Windows: Block, Block&Notify, Allow
  • macOS: Firefox > Preferences > Content > Block pop-up windows [screenshot]
  • iOS: Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security > Block pop-ups [screenshot]
  • If necessary for some sites to function, re-enable temporarily, then re-disable.

[1] Avoid Pop-ups

  • Some pop-up windows may occur despite block settings, esp. 'pop-unders' which appear to 'hijack' your browser
  • Some may warn of detected malware, and offer software, services, scams, or scans
  • Although you should already be protected (see Software Updates, Malware sections),
    you might still be vulnerable to "drive-by" malware -- so, do not click on links or close the popup, or respond to the threats/offers (would reputable organizations/companies act this way?)
  • Instead, close the browser entirely ('forcibly' if necessary), then run your own malware scan.
  • I haven't encountered this problem in iOS, but if you need to force-close a window or force-quit Safari:
  • iOS: (diagonal pinch gesture; window thumbnails) > tap "x" in upper left of window
  • iOS: (4-finger swipe up gesture; all open apps; flick left/right if Safari not visible) > swipe up on Safari
  • macOS: Safari (in Dock) > ctrl-click > Quit (or Force Quit)
  • Safari icon > click w/ Shift key -- to reopen w/o previous windows
  • Win: (task bar) > right-click (on window) > Close
  • [2] Win: ctrl-alt-del > Task Manager > Applications > (browser) > Close

[1] Install an Ad-blocking Extension (aka "Content Blocker")

  • Several different approaches / business models:
  • 'avoidance': avoid ads in first place: find alternatives to ad-heavy sites, apps, services, e.g., Facebook, Google
  • 'consensual': block all except those you allow via your 'allow list' or opt-in; e.g., Privacy Badger; too drastic? support small publishers? some publishers may detect ad blockers and block content access; some, e.g., Spotify, consider ad blocking grounds to terminate your account!
  • 'acceptable ads'; block all ads except vendor allows, e.g., Adblock Plus; who decides which sites are allowed or blocked? publisher payoffs?
  • 'anonymised tracking': block ads but provides summary data; e.g., Ghostery
  • 'some blocking free': pay for additional blocking; e.g., Disconnect and 1Blocker
  • Some (free) apps may display advertising (and track you); consider a paid version that removes ads, check tracking/ad preferences (if any), or do you really need the app?
  • Before: If using HTTPS: or VPN, some ads not inserted by your ISP; a VPN may also make it more difficult for ad sites to identify you
  • Before: If using WPA2 (WiFi), avoid local 'man-in-the-middle' ads/malware
  • Before: if you use Safari's "Reader View" (if available), most ads, navigation and sidebars are removed
  • Before: use an ad blocker to remove adds and reduce tracking
  • other advantages: speeds up page loading; downloads less data, esp. important for limited data plans.
  • many good extensions are free; some paid tools are waste of money, and possibly malware
  • may block ads/tracking only in web browsers, not apps
  • Note: OS handling of browser extensions, especially content blockers, continues to evolve
  • Content blocker Steve is currently using with Safari (iOS12+, macOS 14+): Wipr: $2;
    it's simple to set up, and blocks ads fast and effectively
  • These previously recommended general tools (& example settings) may or may not work with your system and browser:
    AdBlock Plus; IronVest (Blur); Ghostery; Privacy Badger; [3] uBlock Origin
  • Ghostery: {Figure 12: TCYOP-4: 97; TCYOP-3: 79}
  • macOS: Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Get Extension : AdBlock Plus
  • macOS: AdBlock Plus > [deselect] Allow some non-intrusive advertising
  • iOS: Settings > Privacy > Advertising > Limit Ad Tracking
    Enabling this will cut down on unnecessary network traffic, but doesn't totally block
  • iOS: Settings > Safari > Content Blockers
  • If a site doesn't work properly (esp. for 'mobile-friendly' sites):
  • macOS & iOS: Safari > [press refresh icon] > Reload Without Content Blockers
  • iOS: Safari > [press refresh icon] > Request Desktop Site

[2] Selectively Allow Ads: Add Sites to 'Allow List'?

[3] Prevent / Remove Adware

  • Before: obtain software only from official app stores, and pay attention to installation options
  • After: tools to remove adware, e.g., Windows: AdwCleaner

References

Android

Chrome

Firefox

iOS

macOS

Windows

Wipr