Why there aren't ad blocking apps on Google Play
Why there aren't ad blocking apps on Google Play
AdGuard for Android is a powerful app that blocks ads and protects your privacy. But why it's not available on the Google Play Store? Read on to find out.
The article is AdGuard centric but it sheds light on the whole process where Google suddenly decided to ban ad blockers.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
At the time, there were a number of apps on Google Play that offered content filtering functionality, such as AdAway, AdFree, Ad Blocker, and AdBlock Plus.
In 2016, Google tweaked its developer policy to clarify what actions are prohibited, and for the first time directly named ad blockers as a target.
After AdGuard for Android, which filters traffic for all apps on your device, could no longer be distributed through the Google Play Store, we had to find another way to reach our users and provide them with updates.
The increased visibility this store provides would allow us to introduce the app to more people who can block ad-based tracking, thereby protecting their privacy.
The reality is that most casual users install apps exclusively from the Google Play Store, and that means they are currently missing out on a chance to protect themselves from trackers and ads.
We hope that Google will change its stance and give people the choice and tools to protect themselves from pervasive tracking technology and invasive advertising.
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