What a good write up.

Perhaps they could just release a Chrome for mobile extension...

Brilliantly put chainfire

.

Clear, concise and Relevant!!! Thanks for the clear explanation.. I appreciate the fact that you gave the facts within the various contexts and perspectives.

Honestly I have no problem with Google removing ad blocking apps from the app store as it probably violates some sort of policy. It's basically causing developers not to be able to make money.

Very well written argument, gives a logical reason for the opposing side

Tks on the info,very good work by Chris Pick.

I can't speak to the demonizing of +Google for removing +Adblock Plus from the +Google Play store so I'm not going to try. 

What I can say is that I recognize this as a move not so much in the overall interest of +Google but rather in the interest of developers everywhere. I am of the opinion that blocking ads in an advertisement subsidized app is akin to piracy and should be treated as such. I don't like advertisements any more than anybody else. Since the price of apps in the Play Store are significantly cheaper than Apples own equivalent app store, I have no problem paying for an ad-free version of an app that I desire.

I know how some people can really be "pro-piracy" and that's sad. Stop being a cheap, lecherous, SOB and just buy the darned pro version.

Good write up and good work by Google

That's a very interesting take on this matter. Thanks for the write up.

Good explained and thank you for developing apps

+Michael Tumulty blocking ads isn't comparable to piracy. I'm sorry you feel that way.

+Daniel Gilliland it is my understanding that someone loses money, when you block the ads. In that way blocking ads resembles piracy.

Should google not block all crap android phone from accessing the play store because they cause apps to run slowly therefore the app receives a 1 star from frustrated users then?

Many developers use add sponsoring as their business model. If you use their software you agree with this model. The advantage for the user is that he doesn't have to pay. This is the deal you make with the developer. Massive add blocking will undermine this business model and free apps will disappear. It's a choice to make.

Actually should google not remove the terminal app from the playstore too, because i could run commands that could disrupt other apps? Hell resolve the root explorer app because it allows me to edit the hosts file too easily, hell why not remove any root required app as it may allow you to screw up another app?

I use DroidWall and allow internet access only for those apps I know need it. It's not the best thing, but I don't want to allow each app access the internet when and how they want.

I think the best approach would be for Google to add a special service, with special rights, for advertisements, and allow only registered IPs go through that service. Is this a way to control the ads? Yes, it is, but honestly I trust Google more (they already have my datas...) than some small developer who made a game and who might be honest or not. And they could do this service open to other advertisers, e.g. any advertiser could supply the IP ranges they use and the service would only check if they are whitelisted.

I'm using AdAway and will continue using because if some people use us like cash in pocket, mean a lot for me. I pay for good app like chainfire's not for all. Sorry but this is not freedom. If someone decide something for me i do not accept that. Good one always will be graded. 

This write up does completely ignore one fact: the developers have no control whatsoever over the implemented ad network.

It might be super reputable in one country, and display a lot of scam ads in the other.

And that's exactly what happened here in Italy.

One-click 80 Euro subscriptions? I categorize this as Malware and will block everything with my firewall.

If someone categorises this as piracy, fine.

I've payed for every app where it was possible.

I totally support all Android development but some Android apps do not have paid versions or ad-free versions, if they had I would pay for them because I would never click on an in application ad so that's why I've blocked them in the past. Over the last few years since I've been using Android I have put my money were my month is and bought many applications but I find ads invasive and as I said not all applications offer an ad-free alternative...

I think a proxy should be build into android. The app should mention in the manifest to which sites it connect, or what ports and protocols it uses.

I could understand if this was a bad thing in the infancy of the Google Market when the ads on apps were twice the size and more annoying then they are now. Since the need for the AdBlock apps developers have toned down the size and locations so they are noticeable but tolerable at the same time. 

I've often wondered why programmers weren't "serious" about ads, in the sense (mentioned) of if the ad doesn't display for whatever reason, the app doesn't work.

First of all, for all that didn't know: You can still get AdAway and other Free Open Source Software from F-Droid: http://f-droid.org/

I think it's a shame that the write-up totally misses that not only AdBlock Plus but all ad-blocking apps got removed. Even those that did not use a proxy by default but modified the hosts file (like AdAway does). Those do not interfere with other apps unless those explicitly rely on being able to connect to the ad server. AdAway does not show malicious behaviour and is not able to track your usage. In fact, as it's FOSS, if it actually was doing this the community would be able to make a clean fork of the project.

So it's definitely not about protecting users but about protecting the advertisers/developers.

Now, I personally do not use apps which rely on advertisements. If I like an app, I'll buy that app. IMHO, ads are a no-go for monetizing your software, as there are almost always some privacy concerns on the side of the user. That and the possibility of scam ads, like +Hanspeter Holzer mentioned.

Let me point out another flaw in the reasoning against adblockers: I am able to avoid ad-based apps by buying premium versions but I can not avoid ads while browsing the web. I simply can not know if a website will show ads without opening that website. Sadly, this point seems to be totally ignored in the discussion. I need something like AdAway to block unwanted web ads:

Here in Europe, unlimited data plans are almost impossible to get and fast mobile internet isn't available anywhere. Ads slow down web browsing and unnecessarily use up of the user's limited bandwidth; therefore degrading user experience and directly hurting the user. In addition, most web ads aren't tested on mobile devices and take up more space than the viewport has to offer; always aligning their position at the center of the viewport, making it impossible to close them as the small 'x' is out of reach.

Everyone is speaking about the app developers getting hurt but the user should have the right to protect his browsing experience.

+Chris Pick

I haven't seen your post before writing my wall-of-text; In that case it's justified to remove AdBlock Plus from Google Play as it's clearly malfunctioning.

But that still does not explain why they removed AdAway which is not able to interfere with other apps in any way (other than blocking ads, of course). That move can only be meant to protect the advertisers and not the users.

+Jannis Haase I couldn't agree more...

Google is a company that makes money from ads. What were you expecting?

+Jannis Haase If Adaway doesn't affect other apps, can you tell me why it IS interfering with the +NVision application. I've been having problems with the +NVision app for some time, it wouldn't play videos and after reading +Chris Pick well written write up I disabled Adaway.... What do you know, videos now play in the +NVision app....

+Jason Newman

There might be two reason for that. Either NVision is actively checking whether or not ads are successfully displayed and intentionally does not show the videos if they aren't OR the videos themselves are located on a server whose address is blocked by at least one of AdAway's sources of ad-providing servers.

However AdAway does not directly interfere with anything as it is merely a tool to edit a file that exists on any system which can be used to redirect specific urls or block them all together.

AdAway itself does not run in the background or work as a proxy.

I admittedly block ads, but I also buy the premium version of an app if I like it. The proxy method is complex and unnessesary, IMO, so I do it with a host file, have been for years. No, I won't change that.

+Chris Pick what is your app?

Most of my apps are paid versions, but I still use adaway and can't see that changing anytime soon.

I have purchased all of chainfires apps as a thank you for his easy root methods even though I only really use mobile odin ( awesome app) and supersu.

What about the devs who still push adds even though you've paid for their app? Surely they have a case to answer for?

+Martin Grønholdt Piracy is stealing. Stealing is wrong. Blocking an advertisement is not stealing. Losing money is not the same as having money STOLEN from you. Anyone who tries to argue otherwise will fail publicly. Sooooooo, again, sorry you feel that way.

Thank +Jannis Haase makes more sense now.

On another note, does a developer get paid for displaying the ads or when an ad is clicked?

I was under the impression the ad had to be clicked for a developer to get paid...

Google has not only removed Ad Block Plus but all ad blocking apps including ones such as AdAway. AdAway modifies the host file on the device the same as you would on a Linux or Windows box and thus does not utilize a proxy. So in that regard, I don't think your theory completely fits. 

Good article chain fire I agree with everything you said I don't use ad blockers either. if I don't want ads I pay for the paid version. That way it helps the development of the app.and believe me I've spent a lot of money on them.

+Daniel Gilliland blocking ads in apps that are subsidized by those very same ads is piracy. I'm sorry you can't tell the difference.

But if a user would never click those ads, the developer won't get paid anyway so what's the harm. Not all adopts have an ad free but all apps should have an ad free version.

+Michael Tumulty I can tell the difference, and that's where your problem lies. You can't blame the consumer if your business model fails to produce what you want. Sorry 'bout your luck.

Does anybody even remember the real reason ad blocking software was created? How we used to be bombarded with intrusive full-screen pop-up ads in "ye olden Internet days"? Making money online has never been simple and there are lots of costs associated with creating content. hosting a site to represent it, and distributing it.

There is no free lunch. If you think everything should be free, try creating something first and then see how you feel. All I see are a bunch of spoiled crybabies whining over losing something that stole the bread right out of the mouths of developers.

Grow up.

All I hear is crying developers stewing over lost money. Adapt or get out. Good job looking like a cry baby.

All I hear are people with poor judgement trying to rationalize bad behavior.

If they censor indeed, they lost my sympathy. Besides, who needs an AdBlocker anyway? local DNS is nice to get rid of any unwanted product information and push ads. Really hope they not turn Apple market-wise.

Smells like corruption ... because they generate revenue by leads... and AdBlockers are against the interests of the investors (which want you to click the ad and place your order).

Just so we're clear +Chris Pick I completely understood the point of your OP and the message you're trying to get across. I have nothing against blocking ads (in browsers, NOT apps) especially outrageously intrusive ones that take up your entire screen or redirect you against your will. One app shouldn't break the functionality of another, period. However in the +Google Play ecosystem, it was set up from day one that if a developer chose to use ads then they would be unobtrusive and we agreed to this policy the very moment we became a part of +Android.

I'm sorry +Eric MORAND I have been reading all of the comments thoroughly and I'm sorry if the app you've chosen doesn't have a paid equivalent. It sounds like the developer has chosen not to offer one and instead chose to get their revenue (if any) from ads. You can use the app the way it is, don't use it at all and find an alternative app that fits your needs, or make your own. Rationalizing the use of an ad blocker in a free app which is subsidized by ads is just rationalizing a poor decision to make yourself feel better.

Wow I'm shocked that they did that. Its good that I kept the app on the phone.

can u tell me what is cf root download. . actually i want to upgrade my sg2 rooted  ics 4.0,3 to 4.1.2 without unrooting it . is it possible plzz help

+Michael Tumulty Only because I have some stupid phone doesn't mean that I agree to being penetrated by somewhat unless information (ads). As a developer I'm the one who's talking imperative - so what? It's just a problem for people who are not able to get rid of ads otherwise. Well well, how about the charges for the mobile data cause by transferring unless information? Skipping ads on 3G+ would be the least.

Probably they allow every crap app, so that the AV companies have something that makes their products worth buying. I've seen ad-blockers in paid AV software as well - which most likely are still available on Play. It's more than just obvious who's profits from the censorship. What some people consider politics is what others consider "causing a problem while having the solution ready".

What a fascinating debate. The morality argument from Devs versus the freedom argument from end users willing to pay. Both sides of the coin carry the same weight I believe. Google must protect the android ecosystem, they provide the stitching in the pants we all choose to wear, does removal of adblocker really mean we running about in skirts now? Am I talking poop? Did it really hurt u so bad to read this? I Havnt sold u anything so don't get your panties in bunch.

Adfree from BigTinCan will work for rooted devices to block ads. I've been using it for about a year for those interested.

I can understand banning or removing ad blockers but what about apps that have no paid version? Pop ups get pretty annoying.

Well done. Thanks for explaining it so well.

I'm somewhat supporting your views but like Justin previously mentioned, all apps that are currently ONLY ad-supported, should then offer SEPARATE paid versions. The bump that I see here is with developers offering ad-free versions only through donations, as an upgrade/unlock, outside Google Play. The upgrade/unlock may or may not work with another phone, after a firmware upgrade, or for future versions. Even if it does, the dev. is to be contacted again because the unlock email has long been deleted, and then they may or may not respond, or they may or may have not kept your record, etc, etc - and that in turn may potentially turn the users back onto looking (again) for alternatives.

+Chris Pick "Then go ahead and write it yourself and sell it" - not exactly the most viable approach for the 99.9% of the users, don't you think? After all, Google Play (Apple Store, Window Store, etc) were all designed for the 99.9%, no?

+Chris Pick I see your point, but I must say that it's pretty ridiculous too. I mean, are you 101% serious? First of all, if an app is truly "that valuable" it's not SIMPLE to just write your own code. One, you'll be called a jock. Two, it'll be extremely difficult if the app is TRULY VALUABLE, and not just some homemade app.

Also, there are devs who simply IGNORE requests for a paid version. They simply don't bother or don't consider it worth it, the latter of which is understandable. I'm in no way justifying ad-blocking, but your example is pretty ridiculous. In fact, I could use an example just as outlandish:

So this customer walks into a Toyota dealership and really likes the 2014 Corolla. Unfortunately, the car's seats are too uncomfortable. She really doesn't want to get an alternative car, as that model suits her needs perfectly. Seeing and understanding her frustration, the salesman serving her says, "Well, if you don't like it just build your own." The woman is outraged and leaves the dealership, never to return.

I'm just saying, ads are often cumbersome, especially on lower end devices with less RAM and smaller screens.

Developers have every right to continue their ads through ad support if the find that more profitable or more convenient, but the user should have some alternative when they are willing to buy a paid-version, but this option is prohibited or neglected.

+Chris Pick That's true. I guess the ads thing is more so cumbersome and laggy for lower end devices with smaller screens on RAM intensive games and such where ads block touch areas and slow down the gameplay.

Thanks for the explanation Chris Pick, excellent. Well done Chainfire.

+Chris Pick Using your analogy and applying it to the topic, what you are actually saying Chris, is "Go BUILD your own Honda". There are just as many drivers out there who could build their own custom cars, as phone users capable of building their own apps. While I know what you're trying to say, the suggestion is utopic!

Well, the majority of apps many people install are not "do without." That's the whole point of variety on the market.

I can name a few with pretty poor alternatives: Scrabble, Diversion, Zedge, YouTube (haha does that count?), uh...my memory's getting vague xD

Yea, I feel u. That's why I said I can understand devs choosing ad support if it's more profitable. I just dislike ads, xD

Personally, I refuse to use any ad-supported applications. I see no reason to waste the limited resources of my device on advertising that I have absolutely zero interest in receiving. I understand that app developers want a continuous revenue stream, but I am not willing to provide it to them in that fashion.

Now, I use no ad-blocking software at all: I use either free (non-ad-supported) apps or (preferably) pay outright for the software I need. Advertising in a desktop environment is one thing: I mean, I use a wide variety of Google products there on a daily basis. It's a different matter entirely on a device with a small screen and a limited data plan.

@JamesKaraganis I totally agree man. It's not cool at all. Consequently, I think the market will slowly move towards app subscriptions. Hope not though

Fully agree, I frequently pay for apps. the only reason I've ever used ad blocking is for those apps that don't have an ad free version. I don't want ads, I don't find them useful and I never buy anything as a result of an ad, so by me blocking them, nobody is losing. however but not offering an ad free paid version, the developers are conning themselves out of money.

Free and Ad supported should be categorized separately as are free and paid. I steer well clear of "adware" on my PC, why should I think any differently about my phone.

^~~---~~^ exactly