advertisement
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit

Adblocker Plus releases workaround for Facebook ads

If you’re using an ad-blocker you might have started noticing adverts worming their way back into your Facebook feed this week.

This is because the social network has been working on a way to circumvent ad-blockers. To its credit, Facebook has also given users greater control over what ads they wish to see so that you aren’t inundated with adverts for a sports tournament during The International, for example.

“As we offer people more powerful controls, we’ll also begin showing ads on Facebook desktop for people who currently use ad blocking software,” Facebook vice president of the ads and business platform said in a blog.

Basically, Facebook changed its adverts so its not as easy for blockers to determine what its meant to be blocking.

As one would assume this didn’t go down well with folks, especially Adblock Plus’ Ben Williams.

In a blog titled, “Oh well, looks like Facebook just got all anti-user“, Williams slammed the social network.

“This is an unfortunate move, because it takes a dark path against user choice,” Williams said.

Oh look, you can block Facebook ads again

Late yesterday Williams took to Twitter to inform users that they could once again block adverts on Facebook.

“We promised that the open source community would have a solution very soon, and, frankly, they’ve beaten even our own expectations. A new filter was added to the main EasyList,” said Williams.

To start blocking adverts again users can manually add the filter using the code below:

facebook.com##DIV[id^="substream_"] ._5jmm[data-dedupekey][data-cursor][data-xt][data-xt-vimpr="1"][data-ftr="1"][data-fte="1"]

If you aren’t sure how to do this manually fret not, just look for your browser below and follow the instructions.

Firefox

In the Menu select Add-ons and the Firefox Add-ons Manager should open. For Mac OSX and Linux select Tools from the menu and then Add-Ons. Click on Extensions look for Adblock Plus then open the Options then Filter preferences.

Once you have the preferences open tap Ctrl+Shift+T to update all the filters at once. If you would prefer to update then one at a time right-click a filter and select Update filters.

Chrome

Click the Menu button and then go to Tools and open Extensions. Scroll through the extensions and open Adblock Plus and select Options. From there you simply need to click Update now.

Opera

Open the Menu and select Extensions. From there you need to select Manage Extensions and the look for Preferences and then click the tool-icon. Once that opens choose Preferences and then click the Update Now button.

Not a permanent fix

It’s important to note that Facebook can tweak its systems at anytime and circumvent Adblock Plus’ solution to the previous work-around.

“If that happens, the ad-blocking community will likely find another workaround, then Facebook might circumvent again,” said Williams.

[Source – Adblock Plus][Image – CC BY 2.0 Joe The Goat Farmer]

advertisement

About Author

advertisement

Related News

advertisement