Google, Microsoft and Amazon pay to Bypass AdBlock
Ashley Allen / 10 years ago
Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Taboola have been paying the German owners of AdBlock Plus to make sure that their adverts sneak through the advert blocker’s algorithms. The confidential deal between the companies and AdBlock owners Eyeo was uncovered by the Financial Times.
AdBlock Plus, the popular Chrome and Firefox extension, has been downloaded more than 300 million times, and has over 50 million monthly users.
However, many companies that rely on advertising revenue are frightened that advert blocking software will cripple their business. German media groups RTL and ProSiebenSat.1 are suing Eyeo for loss of earnings, with French publishers also considering action.
A Microsoft spokesperson said, “Microsoft will always give consumers choice when it comes to advertisements. We are committed to working with partners who share our vision for relevant, impactful brand interaction and respect the integrity of consumer choice.”
Amazon and Google have declined to comment.
Source: Financial Times
