Yahoo has admitted it is blocking access to some customers’ email accounts, unless they switch off ad-blocking software.
As reported by Digiday, Yahoo told some customers “we are unable to display Yahoo Mail, please disable Ad Blocker to continue using Yahoo Mail.”
As Engadget points out, the URL users are directed to when they’re denied access tells its own story: “reason=ADBLK_TRAP.”
That has sparked fury on message boards and social media with many users advising the company to furiously self copulate for violating their right to use ad blockers unchecked.
Following complaints from US-based users, the web company revealed it is testing a scheme that would ensure its all-important ad revenue isn’t cut off by the popular tools.
On Friday a Yahoo spokeswoman confirmed: “
The episode reignites the debate over ad blocking software and its threat to business models of web companies like Yahoo.
Advertising, of course, is the reason Yahoo is able to offer a free email account to users around the world.
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is coming under increasing pressure to turn the company around in the face of declining revenue, so it’s unsurprising the firm is looking to stamp out ways for users of free services to undermine the core source of cash.
What do you make of Yahoo’s tests? Are you a ymail user affected by the counter block? Share your thoughts below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
