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New Zealand Listener

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July 5-11, 2025

Ad blockers make the internet less annoying to browse, but pose a moral dilemma.

- BY PETER GRIFFIN

Look this way

To block or not to block? That is the question. Not since the invention of the mute button has humanity wielded such a powerful tool against the relentless barrage of "You won't believe what happens next" and "Local singles in your area - click here!" adverts.

I've been using ad-blocking software for years to keep pop-ups and autoplaying videos at bay. The internet, once a minefield of flashing banners and "before you go!" pop-ups, suddenly became a serene, distraction-free paradise thanks to ad-blocking.

Ad blockers don't just clear the clutter from websites, they offer a layer of privacy protection. Many ads are really just tracking devices in disguise, gathering data about your every move online. With an ad blocker, you're not just blocking ads - you're erasing the digital footprints that advertising networks use to target you with more adverts.

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