Recently, a post from GitLab discovered that 16 legitimate Chrome extensions have been hijacked by hackers with malicious updates that put 3.2 million users’ data at risk. One of the extensions listed, Adblock for Chrome, has a very similar name to our extension but is not one of our products. We want to be clear that our extension, AdBlock, has not been compromised, but Adblock for Chrome, which is not affiliated with AdBlock, has been compromised.

AdBlock still offers reliable and safe ad blocking on Chrome and other major browsers. You may have seen a number of articles reporting on this discovery, so we wanted to reassure our users that this has not affected our extension.

The extensions listed below have all been removed from the Chrome store. You can check here to see that AdBlock is still listed. Immediately delete any of the following extensions if you have these installed:

• Blipshot (one click full page screenshots)
• Emojis — Emoji Keyboard
• WAToolkit
• Color Changer for YouTube
• Video Effects for YouTube and Audio Enhancer
• Themes for Chrome and YouTube™ Picture in Picture
• Mike Adblock für Chrome | Chrome-Werbeblocker
• Page Refresh
• Wistia Video Downloader
• Super Dark Mode
• Emoji Keyboard Emojis for Chrome
• Adblocker for Chrome — NoAds
• Adblock for You
• Adblock for Chrome
• Nimble Capture
• KProxy

It is important to stay vigilant about which apps you have installed. Some helpful tips include:

• Read reviews and check ratings (or better yet, look for an external review)
• Carefully examine all permissions requested by extension before giving access
• Audit your extensions from time to time
• Limit the number of extensions you have installed

We hope this clears up any confusion and sets your mind at ease. Please reach out to our support team at help@getadblock.com if you have any further questions or concerns. We always love hearing from you.

Thank you for trusting us to make your internet experience worry-free.

Cyber Attack on 16 Chrome Extensions, AdBlock Not Affected was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Do you ever feel like an ad is following you around online? Sometimes you look at a product on a website and it keeps popping up in ads everywhere else you browse. Online tracking methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing advertisers and websites to collect detailed data about you and your online behavior.

Not all trackers are collecting top-secret information and some are attempting to personalize content and products. Even so, the more we are aware of what data is being collected, the more control we have over who has access to our personal information.

Common tracking techniques

• Pixel Tracking: Invisible 1x1 pixel images embedded in ads, emails, social media sites or web pages that collect data when you view or interact with content.
• Cookies: Cookies are small data files stored locally on your device that can be temporary or permanent, first-party (directly from the website) or third-party (set from a different domain, usually an external advertiser or analytics provider).
• Browser Fingerprinting: Your browser fingerprint identifies you based on unique browser and device characteristics.
• Cross-Device Tracking: Trackers are deployed, often in the form of unique identifiers, cookies and account credentials (and more) to build your profile across multiple devices, such as smartphones, personal computers, tablets and smart TVs.

Data Collected by Ad Trackers

Data allows advertisers to create detailed user profiles, personalize ads and measure campaign effectiveness. However, the ad trackers collecting this data also raise privacy concerns, leading to increased scrutiny and regulations of online tracking practices.

Various studies highlight the “advertising paradox” which is that the majority of people generally want personalized ads, but they also want to protect their privacy.

Here’s a short list of what ad trackers can collect about you:

• IP address and location
• Browsing history and preferences
• Behavior across websites including viewing times, user preferences, clicks and ad interactions
• Device information like data on operating systems, language, time zone and browser version
• Conversion data (purchases, sign-ups)

How to Take Control of Your Data

So what can be done? In a perfect world, advertisers would use personalization in a way that balances privacy and consumer benefit and brands would be transparent about data collection. In the meantime, you should be aware of the privacy risks associated with personalized advertising and how your data is being used.

Ad blocking and ad filtering are great tools as a first line of defense for blocking unwanted ad trackers while maintaining functionality on websites. Ad blockers help prevent data collection and disrupt profile building by blocking tracking scripts and pixels while limiting cookie access. AdBlock utilizes comprehensive filter lists to block a wide range of ads and trackers.

Enhance Your Privacy and Security

Beyond blocking trackers via filter list, blocking cookies and/or using a virtual private network (VPN) are other great methods to increase your privacy and security. AdBlock Premium includes features like:

• Hiding all cookie consent pop-ups and blocking third-party trackers by default
• AdBlock VPN allows you to browse anonymously, unlock content blocked by location, and secure public WiFi. AdBlock VPN’s strict “no-log” policy means we never track your online behavior or share your data.

For more information on AdBlock Premium or to subscribe today, visit https://getadblock.com/en/premium/.

At AdBlock, we care about your data and want you to know where it’s being used, which is why you can use our VPN, block cookie banners with Premium, or see how many trackers we’ve blocked.

Want to dive deeper into how to protect your data? Check out some of our past blogs about online privacy:

How to Delete Yourself from the Internet

Why Should I Browse Anonymously?

Ad Blocker’s Guide to the Galaxy: Browser History and Online Privacy

Online Privacy Basics: Ad Trackers and How to Protect Your Privacy was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Thank you!

As we near the end of the year, we want to take a moment to express our appreciation and thank you. Together with you, we are able to offer a better, safer web for everyone. AdBlock is, and always will be, a solution focused on giving you more control over your online experience and personal information.

So without further ado, let’s take a look back at what’s changed in the world of ad blocking and see just how much you’ve blocked this year.

Google updated Chrome to MV3

In June, Google changed the way extensions work in Chrome by moving to a new infrastructure known as Manifest V3 (MV3). This change aimed to enhance security, privacy, and performance. However, it also presented many challenges for ad blockers.

Our team approached these changes with hard work and ingenuity allowing us to effectively provide you with the same high-quality ad-filtering, regardless of the limitations introduced by Google. AdBlock was one of the first extensions to migrate to Manifest V3 and is compatible with the latest version of Chrome.

We believe you should have the choice of what browser to use and still have the tools available to make your online experience better. As a user, you likely didn’t even notice when the change happened.

Pro tip:
Ensure Chrome is up-to-date: Normally browser updates happen in the background, but if you haven’t closed your browser in a while you may have a pending update. Extensions may not work properly if your browser is outdated. Find out here how to manually update Chrome on your desktop, Android, or iOS devices or just check that you are on the latest version.

How many ads and trackers have you blocked?

At the end of the year, a lot of your favorite extensions and apps offer a year-in-review to highlight your interactions. Did you know that AdBlock can show you just how many ads (and trackers) you’ve blocked?* You can see it by today, this week, this month, this year or all time.

(*If this is your first time using AdBlock Stats, you’ll need to opt in to allow AdBlock to collect this information but don’t worry — this is all stored locally and never shared directly with AdBlock.)

To check your stats (or opt in for the first time), open the settings by clicking the AdBlock icon from your browser toolbar and then the gear symbol. Click Stats from the left menu.Then select the timeframe you want to view.

And remember, you can block even more by upgrading to Premium, with benefits like Cookie Consent Pop-up Blocking and Distraction Control to remove newsletter pop-ups, floating videos, and other annoyances; customization features like Themes and Image Swap to personalize your browser experience; and Backup & Sync, to take your custom ad-blocking rules, settings and allowlists with you on whatever computer you use.

Updates to AdBlock

We regularly release updates to keep AdBlock working effectively across several major browsers to provide our tens of millions of users with fewer distractions and trackers online.

The releases update automatically and fix minor bugs or sometimes include new features. As mentioned above, we rolled out a new version compatible with major changes to Chrome. We also introduced a redesigned AdBlock menu, making the interface more intuitive, and added new Premium features, enabling our users to block cookie banners and other distractions with fewer clicks.

Sneak Peek 2025

Currently, we are hard at work to bring you more free and Premium features in 2025. Coming soon exclusively to Premium is ad blocking on the go with our new mobile app and more ways to protect your privacy. Enjoy more peace of mind when you and your family are online wherever that may be. Stay tuned for more updates!

We wish you and yours a happy and safe holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Unwrap the 2024 AdBlock Recap was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s no surprise that some internet users feel uneasy about the amount of personal information available about them online. From social media profiles to online shopping accounts, our digital footprints span across countless platforms. Sometimes this visibility can feel overwhelming and invasive. We’ll cover how to delete your personal data from the web so that you can protect your privacy, avoid data breaches, or simply step back from the online world.

Your digital shadow

Your digital shadow is the information that exists about you online, often without your explicit consent or awareness. This shadow is an accumulation of data generated through various online activities. Your social media posts, comments, likes, shares, and messages are one component of your digital shadow. Other components include your browsing history, search history, online purchases, public records, and the data collected about you by ad trackers. This data includes information like your location, age, hobbies, interests, and more.

Why remove your data?

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to delete your personal data from the internet completely. But the good news is that you can remove much of it and prevent more of your data from being collected. Having a large digital shadow can put you at risk for criminal activity like identity theft, privacy breaches, fraud, and phishing schemes. It can also feel downright invasive — some internet users prefer to simply have their data more private.

How to delete yourself from the web

Thankfully, there are ways you can remove much of your personal information from the internet. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Remove your personal information from Google search

Google allows you to request the removal of personally identifiable information (also called PII) from its search results. This includes personal contact information like physical addresses, phone numbers, and emails.

To request removals of information you find in Google Search, you’ll want to fill out this form on Google’s support site. The form will ask you what you want to remove, your contact information, and for the list of URLs that show the content you want removed. Once you submit a request, you’ll get an automated email to confirm your request was received and Google will let you know whether they’ll take action.

It’s important to note that this only removes personal information from Google, not the web pages themselves. However, since Google is the most popular search engine, it’s a great start at keeping your data more private.

2. Opt-out of data brokers

Data brokers (sometimes called information brokers) are businesses that aggregate data from different sources. What that means is that data brokers collect information about people from various places like public records, social media, and even your web browsing behavior. They’ll put that information together on people search sites or sell it to other companies.

You can opt out of individual data brokers with the help of resources from Privacy Rights Clearing House, Motherboard, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence. You can also use private companies, like DeleteMe and Removaly, that you can pay to scrub your information from data broker databases.

3. Delete social media (or increase privacy settings)

If you really want to be off of the internet, deleting your social media accounts is no surprise. They’re a treasure trove of personal information that includes pictures, your social network, your location, birthday, and more. If you don’t want to delete yourself from social media, then we suggest you limit what you share. You can also use this guide to privacy settings to make sure that your profiles have the right amount of privacy for you.

4. Delete unused apps/old online accounts

While you’re at it, you may also want to delete any unused apps and their associated accounts, as well as any other unused online accounts you have. Removing these accounts allows you to shrink your digital shadow and keep your information more private.

5. Limit what you share everywhere

The most obvious tip for keeping yourself off the web is to limit what you’re sharing online in the first place. When signing up for an account, use your best judgment. Is what you’re being asked to share necessary or required? If not, skip it! And when it comes to posting on social media, keep in mind that you should probably limit sharing your personally identifiable information (also called PII). PII includes things like your full name, birthday, address, email, and other information that can personally identify you. This type of information is extremely valuable to cyber criminals because with enough of it, they can hack into your accounts or even steal your identity.

Use AdBlock for a more private internet

To keep your digital shadow as small as possible, it’s helpful to use tools like the AdBlock extension and AdBlock VPN.

Block trackers with the AdBlock extension

With AdBlock, you can block pop-ups, intrusive ads, and ad trackers. You may want to block these trackers because of the sheer amount of personal information they gather. This includes things like your age, location, hobbies and interests, browsing history, online purchase history, political preferences, and your job. Advertisers use all of this information to build a profile about you so that you’re shown targeted ads.

To block trackers, you can subscribe to the EasyPrivacy filter list. Easy Privacy is an optional filter list that blocks most trackers on the web. (Please note that using this filter list may cause issues on sites that rely on third-party trackers, like many banking sites do. You can typically work around that by adding sites to your allowlist, though this will unblock ads on those sites, too.) For instructions on how to subscribe to EasyPrivacy, click here.

Increase your online privacy with AdBlock VPN

AdBlock VPN allows internet users to browse the web privately. It creates an encrypted connection between you and its servers, making it harder for third parties to see your browsing activity. That’s because all of your internet traffic is routed through the private tunnel it creates.

Because a VPN creates a private tunnel for your internet traffic to flow through, it helps prevent unwanted tracking. Network providers, including your Internet Service Provider, are unable to track your browsing activity when you browse the web connected to a VPN.

Additionally, your IP address contains your approximate physical location (the city, zip code, or area code of where you’re connecting to the internet from). As you browse the web, advertisers use your IP address to target you with relevant ads and services. AdBlock VPN allows you to hide your IP address and prevent unwanted tracking.

While you can’t remove every single piece of data about you from the internet, you can certainly take measures to shrink your digital shadow. Removing your personal information from Google search, opting out of data brokers, deleting old accounts and social media, and limiting what you share are all ways you can take back control of your personal data. You can also use tools like AdBlock and AdBlock VPN to prevent unwanted tracking and enjoy a better, more private browsing experience.

Stay in the know about the latest news at AdBlock and around the web when you sign up for our monthly newsletter.

How to Delete Yourself from the Internet was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become increasingly more important to internet users. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or shopping online, having a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you experience a more private, more safe web. When you use AdBlock VPN, you get access to improved privacy protection, unblocked geo content, and more. That’s why we believe that it’s the best cheap VPN out there!

Reason #1: AdBlock VPN Prioritizes Your Privacy

When it comes to VPNs, online privacy and security are non-negotiable. AdBlock VPN’s encryption standard, no-log policy, and varied server locations provide high online privacy at an affordable price.

• Unbreakable encryption. The encryption standard of a VPN’s tunnel is key to keeping your data private. If a VPN uses a lower encryption standard, it’s easier for third parties to break the encryption and access your personal data. AdBlock VPN uses an AES 256-bit encryption as our encryption standard, which is practically unbreakable.
• No-log policy. A VPN’s logging policy details whether or not they collect and store your data as it flows through their encrypted tunnel and servers. AdBlock VPN has a no-log policy and we’ll never collect or store your data.
• Server Locations. The more varied the server locations of a VPN, the more virtual locations you have to choose from when you connect to the web. That means there’s more options for concealing your location. (And as a bonus, you have more options for accessing different content based on geography.) AdBlock VPN allows you to connect to servers in multiple countries around the world.

Reason #2: AdBlock VPN is Easy to Use

AdBlock VPN has a simple, intuitive interface and easy setup process. Even if you’re new to VPNs, you’ll find AdBlock VPN is easy to use. You can set up AdBlock VPN in a few clicks whether you’re using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. The user-friendly dashboard makes it easy to connect to a server, switch locations, and manage your account. Plus, should you have any questions, our support team is happy to help or you can access comprehensive how-to guides on our Help Center.

Reason #3: AdBlock VPN is Affordable and Works

There are a lot of free VPNs out there, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re of a high quality. If you choose a free VPN provider, it’s likely you’re paying a price other than money. Often, free VPN providers will make money from your data by selling your personal information to third parties. This information is then used by those other companies to target you with ads.

AdBlock VPN isn’t free, but it is affordable and it works. With AdBlock VPN, you can:

• Browse privately. Your web traffic is routed through AdBlock VPN servers and each time you connect, your IP address is replaced with a new address from AdBlock VPN’s network of virtual locations, allowing you to hide your online identity.
• Enjoy worry-free Wi-Fi access. Connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots can make you more vulnerable to third-party tracking. AdBlock VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet, making it difficult for third parties, such as your public Wi-Fi provider, to track or monitor your online behavior.
• Access unblocked content. Need access to a website or content that’s blocked by location? Our VPN allows you to connect to the internet through different servers all over the world. This may allow you to avoid censorship in some regions, and access the content you want from wherever you are.
• Connect up to 6 different devices. Use up to six devices with AdBlock VPN, including Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. Our interface makes it easy to connect, manage, and remove your devices.

AdBlock VPN stands out as the best cheap VPN because it makes it simple to start protecting your online privacy. You can hide your online identity and enjoy all of the benefits of safe, simple, affordable VPN service.

If you’d like to give AdBlock VPN a try, simply head to vpn.getadblock.com. And if you run into any questions along the way, simply shoot our support team an email at vpnsupport@getadblock.com.

Keep up with the goings on at AdBlock and across the web. Sign up for our monthly newsletter!

3 Reasons AdBlock VPN is the Best Cheap VPN was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Dear AdBlock,

I’m a Chrome user and I’ve recently heard of ad blocking from a friend. Obviously, I can tell from your name, AdBlock for Chrome, that you block ads. But what does that mean exactly? Do you block anything else?

Thanks for your help!

Sincerely,

Curious Carl

Hello Carl,

We’re always happy to help a curious user. To answer your question: AdBlock for Chrome can block pop-ups, intrusive ads, and more. Let’s dive in!

AdBlock for Chrome Blocks Ads and Reduces Malware Exposure

Like you said, this is pretty obvious but certainly worth mentioning. AdBlock begins blocking pop-ups and other intrusive ads the moment you install the extension. This includes pop-unders (windows that open under the window you’re using), banner ads, sidebar ads, and video ads. Blocking these ads also has the added benefit of reducing your exposure to malware (malicious software designed to damage your device and/or steal your data). When you block ads, you block some malicious ads, too. And that means you’re less likely to click on an infected one.

AdBlock for Chrome Blocks Trackers

You can block trackers with AdBlock, too! Ad trackers can be invasive as advertisers use them to collect information about you. This includes things like your age, location, hobbies and interests, browsing history, and purchase history. This information is then used to show you personalized ads with the hope that you’ll be more likely to make a purchase.

With the EasyPrivacy filter list, you can prevent ads from tracking your online activities by blocking the trackers advertisers use to know what sites you visit. If you’d like to learn more about subscribing to this filter list, you can find the instructions here. (Please note that using this filter list may cause issues on sites that rely on third-party trackers, like many banking sites do. You can typically work around that by adding sites to your allowlist, though this will unblock ads on those sites, too.)

AdBlock Premium Blocks More than Just Ads

Looking to block even more distractions and nuisances while you browse? All you need is AdBlock Premium. With a Premium subscription, you can:

• Block cookie banners. Say goodbye to the pesky pop-ups that ask you whether to accept or reject cookies on websites. Premium hides those banners from view and rejects all the unnecessary cookies we can on your behalf. Enjoy a seamless browsing experience with fewer interruptions and less tracking from advertisers.
• Block additional distractions. This includes floating videos that follow you around as you scroll, newsletter pop-ups, survey requests, and site notifications. Take control of your browser and browse the way you want to!

To sum it up, AdBlock for Chrome can block many annoyances across the web. That includes ads (including malicious ones), trackers, cookie banners, and other distractions.

We hope this satisfies your curiosity, Carl! If you’d like to give AdBlock for Chrome a try, head to getadblock.com from your Chrome browser and download the extension. You can also sign up for our Premium features on our enrollment page.

We love sharing resources to help make the internet a better place. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date!

What Does AdBlock for Chrome Block? was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We’ve all been there. You’re excited to read an article, explore a new website, or quickly check something online, only to be stopped by a pop-up asking you to accept cookies. What was once a seamless browsing experience is now interrupted by a mandatory interaction, forcing you to either accept, decline, or customize your cookie preferences. While cookie banners are meant to protect online privacy, they’ve also inadvertently become one of the most annoying aspects of today’s internet. Thankfully, when you use AdBlock as your ad blocker for Chrome, you can hide those annoying cookie banners while you browse. All you need is AdBlock Premium!

What are Cookie Banners?

Cookie banners are pop-up notifications that appear on websites, informing users about the use of cookies and asking for their consent to collect and store data through these cookies. Cookies are small pieces of data stored on a user’s device by the website they’re visiting, often used to track user activity, personalize content, and remember login information.

The purpose of cookie banners is to comply with privacy regulations, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These laws require websites to obtain explicit consent from users before placing non-essential cookies on their devices. Essential cookies, which are necessary for the website to function properly, do not require consent.

Cookie banners typically offer these options for permission:

• Accept All Cookies: Grants permission for the website to use all types of cookies, including those used for tracking and advertising.
• Reject All Cookies: Declines the use of non-essential cookies.
• Customize Settings: Allows users to choose which types of cookies they want to allow or reject, giving users more granular control over their data.

Cookie banners are meant to give users more autonomy and say over their online privacy. However, their widespread use has led to mixed reactions, with some users finding them intrusive and disruptive to their browsing experience. Many users simply close them as quickly as possible, often accepting the very tracking the GDPR is concerned about.

Block Cookie Banners with AdBlock Premium

When you use AdBlock Premium, you can now say goodbye to a frustrating browsing experience and block cookie banners across the web. Get where you’re going faster when AdBlock Premium hides those banners from view and rejects all the unnecessary cookies we can on your behalf.

Once you’ve installed AdBlock and upgraded to Premium, you can block cookie banners by following these instructions:

1. Open the AdBlock menu by clicking on the red stop sign icon in the upper right of your browser’s toolbar.
2. Click on the gear icon to open Settings.
3. On the left side toolbar, click Premium Filters.
4. Tick the checkbox next to Cookie Consent Cutter.

You’re now blocking cookie banners as you browse! When you turn on this feature, you acknowledge that it hides tracking consent requests. By default, we block third-party trackers, though not first party trackers, which are exclusive to the website you may visit and important for your user experience.

Enjoy a more seamless, faster browsing experience when you use AdBlock as your ad blocker for Chrome. You can block pop-ups and other annoying ads the moment you install the extension. And of course, you can block cookie banners when you use AdBlock Premium.

To get started blocking cookie banners, install AdBlock and subscribe to AdBlock Premium. If you have any questions along the way, check out our Help Center or shoot us an email at help@getadblock.com.

Stay connected to AdBlock when you sign up for our monthly newsletter!

How to Block Cookie Banners with Your Ad Blocker for Chrome was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In today’s digital world, VPNs have become popular among internet users concerned with online privacy. However, there are many misconceptions about what VPNs can and can’t do for users. That’s why we’re going to bust five of the most common VPN myths and set the record straight.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, also called a Virtual Private Network, is essentially like having your own private highway that connects your device to the internet. That’s because VPNs create an encrypted connection, often referred to as a ‘tunnel,’ between your devices and the VPN servers. All of your internet traffic is routed through that secure tunnel, keeping your data encrypted and your personal information secure.

With a VPN, you can browse the web anonymously, access content that is typically blocked by location, and enjoy safer browsing on public Wi-Fi.

VPN myth busting

Considering that digital tools are ever evolving, it’s no wonder that VPNs aren’t always well understood by internet users. It can be hard to keep up with what the latest technology is capable of. Let’s take a closer look at the most common VPN myths and the truths behind them.

Myth #1: VPNs are only for illegal activity

While VPNs can be misused for illegal activities, their primary purpose is to enhance online privacy and security. Businesses use VPNs to protect sensitive data, remote workers rely on them to securely access corporate networks, and individuals use VPNs to maintain online privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi. VPNs are a legitimate tool for increasing your online privacy while you browse.

Myth #2: VPNs significantly slow down your internet connection

While it’s true that VPNs can reduce your internet speed slightly due to the encryption process, the impact is often small when you’re using a quality VPN service. You can also minimize this effect by choosing to connect to VPN servers closer to your geographical location. Additionally, VPNs keep your internet activities private from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Some ISPs use internet throttling to cap internet speeds to save on bandwidth. When you use a VPN, you can avoid this throttling because your ISP can’t see what you’re doing.

Myth #3: VPNs make you 100% anonymous

A VPN can help hide your online identity because your web traffic is routed through the VPN’s servers. Your IP address is replaced with a new address from the VPN’s network of virtual locations each time you connect. This is important because, much like your home address identifies your specific home, your IP address identifies your internet-connected device. And every time you click on something online, you leave your IP address behind. While your IP address alone can’t reveal your identity, it is a piece of data that can help tell websites and services who you are, especially paired with any other information about you.

Yet that doesn’t mean you’re 100% anonymous when you browse. Websites can still track you using cookies, data brokers can still publish information about you online, and you can still choose to share about yourself around the web. To achieve a higher level of anonymity, you can follow these tips from the AdBlock blog.

Myth #4: Free VPNs are just as good as paid-for VPNs

There are a lot of free VPNs out there, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re of a high quality. If you choose a free VPN provider, it’s likely you’re paying a price other than money. Often, free VPN providers will make money from your data by selling your personal information to third parties. This information is then used by those other companies to target you with ads.

Sometimes they also come with limited features including caps on bandwidth and fewer choices of server locations.

Myth #5: VPNs protect against malware and viruses

VPNs are designed to protect your online privacy and secure your internet connection, but they are not a replacement for antivirus software. While a VPN can prevent certain types of cyber threats, such as man-in-the-middle attacks, it doesn’t protect against viruses, malware, or phishing attacks. For comprehensive protection, use a VPN in conjunction with reputable antivirus and anti-malware software. You can also use the AdBlock extension to reduce your chances of running across malicious ads online.

Use AdBlock VPN for a more private web

If you’re interested in using a VPN, then we’d love to suggest our very own AdBlock VPN. It’s easy to use, affordable, and helps protect your privacy. It’s also a no-log VPN, which means we don’t track your online behavior and we’d never share it with others.

With AdBlock VPN, you can:

• Browse the web anonymously. Your web traffic is routed through AdBlock VPN servers and each time you connect, your IP address is replaced with a new address from AdBlock VPN’s network of virtual locations, allowing you to hide your online identity.
• Access unblocked content. Need access to a website or content that’s blocked by location? Our VPN allows you to connect to the internet through different servers all over the world. This may allow you to avoid censorship in some regions, and access the content you want from wherever you are.
• Connect safely to public Wi-Fi. AdBlock VPN helps reduce the vulnerability associated with connecting to a public Wi-Fi hotspot by creating an encrypted connection between your device and the web, making it more difficult for anyone to track or monitor you without your consent.
• Connect up to six devices. Use up to six devices with AdBlock VPN, including Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. The AdBlock VPN interface makes it easy to connect, manage, and remove your devices.

Interested in increasing your online privacy with AdBlock VPN? Sign up by heading to vpn.getadblock.com to get started. Of course, we’re here to help if you need anything at vpnsupport@getadblock.com.

Stay in the know about the latest news at AdBlock and around the web when you sign up for our monthly newsletter.

5 VPN Myths Busted was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the internet were a more enjoyable place to be? What if you could stop seeing intrusive pop-ups and annoying ads? What if your data wasn’t constantly being collected as you browse? And what if you could feel safe from viruses and other malware? Fortunately, you don’t have to imagine a better web — you can live it with AdBlock. AdBlock is a pop-up remover that allows you to enjoy a more seamless, clutter-free browsing experience.

What is AdBlock?

AdBlock is a powerful browser extension designed to block intrusive ads, including pesky pop-ups that hinder your online experience. Since its inception in 2009, AdBlock has been committed to making the internet a better place by allowing users to browse without constant distractions. With over 60 million users worldwide, AdBlock has become one of the most trusted tools for blocking ads.

AdBlock is:

1. A Pop-up Remover that Blocks Ads

OK, we admit this is an obvious benefit. But it’s still worth saying! AdBlock can block pop-ups and other intrusive ads the moment you install it. Get ready to enjoy a cleaner, less distracting browsing experience!

2. A Pop-up Remover that Blocks Trackers

Many advertisers use trackers to gather personal information about you. This information ranges from your approximate location and age to your hobbies, interests, and browsing history. It’s compiled to create a profile of you so that you’re shown targeted ads you’re more likely to make purchases from. While this can certainly be helpful, some internet users prefer less tracking while browsing. That’s where AdBlock comes in!

With the EasyPrivacy filter list, you can prevent ads from tracking your online activities by blocking the trackers advertisers use to know what sites you visit. To learn more about subscribing to this filter list, you can click the instructions here. (Please note that using this filter list may cause issues on sites that rely on third-party trackers like many banking sites do. You can typically work around that by adding sites to your allowlist, though this will unblock ads on those sites, too.)

3. A Pop-up Remover that Reduces Exposure to Malware

Malware, or malicious software, is software designed to sneak onto your computer to steal data and/or damage your device. While AdBlock doesn’t block malware specifically, it does block many ads that contain malware. You’re seeing fewer ads as you browse, therefore reducing your chances of clicking on an ad infected with malware. This allows you to have a safer browsing experience.

4. A Pop-up Remover that Supports a Fair Web

At AdBlock, we believe in a fair internet for all. Ad revenue is crucial for many websites and content creators, enabling them to continue producing their work. With AdBlock, you have the power to choose which content creators you want to support by allowing ads on specific sites or YouTube channels. You have complete control! If you change your mind, you can easily remove a site from your allowlist. For instructions on how to add sites to your allowlist, click here.

Block Cookies and More with AdBlock Premium

With AdBlock Premium, you’ll enjoy greater control over your browsing experience and block additional distractions.

Here’s what you can do when you subscribe:

• Block cookie banners. Get where you’re going faster when AdBlock Premium hides those cookie banners from view and rejects all the unnecessary cookies we can on your behalf.
• Block more distractions. Our Distraction Control feature allows you to block distractions like floating videos (those “sticky” videos that follow you as you browse), newsletter pop-ups, survey requests, and allow-site notifications.
• Swap ads for fun images. With Image Swap, you can choose to see photos of nature, kittens, puppies, or even your own custom images instead of ads.
• Customize AdBlock’s look and feel. With Themes and Dark Mode, choose the way you want AdBlock to look!
• Sync your settings. You can take your custom ad-blocking rules and settings across multiple devices.

AdBlock is a pop-up remover that puts control of the internet in your hands. It’s a simple, intuitive tool that blocks distractions, protects privacy, and is accessible to everyone. To get started with AdBlock, head to getadblock.com from your browser and download the extension. Let us know what you think or if you have any questions at help@getadblock.com.

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AdBlock: A Pop-up Remover for a Better Web was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Dear AdBlock,

My friend recommended that I download a free ad blocker for my computer. When I started to search for the best one, I was faced with a ton of options. You’re one of the first I came across and I’m wondering, what makes you the best? Why should I use AdBlock instead of one of the other ad blockers out there?

Sincerely,

Conscientious Consumer Cam

Hi Cam,

That’s a great question! We appreciate your taking the time to do your research. It’s important to make sure that you download an ad blocker extension you can trust and that gives you a better experience while you browse. We believe we’re the best free ad blocker out there because:

1. We block intrusive ads. AdBlock excels at blocking annoying ads, whether they’re pop-ups, banners, or video ads. By eliminating these distractions, AdBlock ensures your online experience is smooth and uninterrupted. No more annoying interruptions while you’re watching a video or reading an article — AdBlock keeps your screen clean and focused on the content that matters to you.
2. We enhance your privacy and security online. Many ads track your online behavior and collect personal data. AdBlock stops many of these trackers, keeping your personal information more private. Additionally, by blocking malicious ads, AdBlock helps prevent malware and phishing attacks, making your browsing experience more safe.
3. We allow you to personalize the web. What if there are parts of websites you’d like to block, but these parts aren’t ads? You can still hide those annoyances with AdBlock’s manual hiding tool. This tool allows you to block parts of web pages you’d rather not see, even if it’s not an ad. This puts you in charge of what you see or don’t see on the web. To use this tool, follow the instructions here.
4. We give you control over who you support with ads. It’s no secret that websites and publishers rely on ad revenue to stay in business. That’s why AdBlock gives users the ability to allow ads on whatever sites they want. Of course, we’ll continue to block ads everywhere else on the web. This allows us to support a fair internet for everyone.
5. We’ve been around a while. AdBlock has been blocking ads since 2009. We’re a trusted, open-source extension serving over 60 million users.

So there you have it, Conscientious Consumer Cam! AdBlock is the best free ad blocker out there because we provide a better browsing experience for our users. From blocking annoying ads and trackers to putting more control over the web in your hands, we’re always working to create a worry-free and distraction-free web for everyone.

Give AdBlock a try and head to getadblock.com to get started. If you have any questions along the way, check out our Help Center or email our support team at help@getadblock.com. We’re here for you!

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Why is AdBlock the Best Free Ad Blocker? was originally published in AdBlock’s Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.