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Google releases new Chrome 71 update that automatically blocks abusive Ads

by Milicent Atieno
chrome 71

As Microsoft and other browser developers work to undercut Chrome, Google is working around the clock to make the browser not just thrive but kick a$$. The search engine giant has just pushed an update – Chrome 71 – that comes with an automatic block for abusive Ads.

The first time Google announced that it will be introducing a native ad blocker to its Chrome browser, we saw it as strange. As ads are the lifeline of the company’s revenue. So why would it help create tools that will block its revenue stream?

However, when you think about keenly, you can see it is a survival strategy for Google in the midst of the growing use of ad blocking software like Ad-Blocker. You see what these third party blockers do, is block all ads, even those ones that don’t intrude on the users’ space.

While users have legitimate cause to complain about ads, there are those that are so irritating such as the pop-up ads. There are also some that are ‘well mannered’ and just sit there to be seen without imposing themselves. These types of ads Google describe as the good ads, which means the others are bad ads.

With the increasing use of third-party ad blockers that block both the good and bad ads, Google was losing a lot of money. So they decided to join the ad blocking bandwagon by natively baking an ad blocker on Chrome; much to the surprise of many. However, Google is only blocking the bad ads, which are making users think of installing third-party ad blockers in the first place.

It was a promise Chrome users have been waiting on for quite some time now. And with the release of Chrome 71 update, Google baked in an ad blocker that will shut down all those bad ads. Ads that follow fair advertising policies, not those force themselves up your face.

To ensure fairness is followed in blocking the ads, Google has released a list of ads that are to be deemed abusive and should be blocked. They are as follows:

* Malware and unwanted software

* Unexpected click areas

* Automatic diversion

* Fake news

* Cursor elements

* Phishing

* Misleading website behavior

Google has also released a statement to webmasters warning them that if they are hosting abusive ads on their sites they will be violating Google’s terms of usage. The warning reads in part as follows:

Site owners can use the report on abusive experiences in their Google Search Console to see if their site contains any of these abusive cases that need to be corrected or removed. Website owners have a 30-day window to fix cases flagged by the report before Chrome removes the ads.”

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