July 2nd, 2024

Distrust in Big Tech Fuels Adblocker Usage Among 52% of Americans

Amid rising data privacy concerns, 52% of Americans use adblockers primarily for privacy. Tech entities like Google and OpenAI face trust issues. Consumers demand data control and transparency for trust.

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Distrust in Big Tech Fuels Adblocker Usage Among 52% of Americans

Amid growing concerns over data privacy and distrust in Big Tech, a significant portion of Americans are turning to adblockers to protect their online privacy. Recent surveys indicate that 52% of Americans are using adblockers, with privacy being the primary reason for their usage. While there is a push for Big Tech to prioritize privacy, there is still confusion among the general public regarding data collection practices. Companies like Google and OpenAI are under scrutiny, with Americans expressing varying levels of trust towards different tech entities. The landscape of online privacy is evolving, with consumers demanding more control over their data and expressing concerns about AI technologies. As the debate around data privacy intensifies, companies that prioritize transparency and consumer consent are more likely to gain trust, while those that resist change may face increasing skepticism from users. Moving towards a privacy-first internet model, where data ownership and informed consent are central, is becoming crucial for tech companies to maintain consumer trust in the evolving digital landscape.

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By @doikor - 5 months
More like the internet is unusable without one. Not being as easily tracked by some mega corp is just a nice bonus.
By @tanseydavid - 5 months
Clicks the link. Page renders long enough to re-read the title.

Then BAM! We see you are using an ad-blocker

Somehow I never get used to it and am almost always surprised.

I have the same problem when the power goes out -- I continue to try to switch things on even though power has not been restored. (this is due to ingrained habits not some sort of wishful thinking)

By @underseacables - 5 months
I'm surprised that advertisers do not have more distrust in big tech. I am deeply suspicious of the results that social media gives to advertisers, and I think the number of people who actually see the ads are much, much lower.
By @josefritzishere - 5 months
The article does not actually establish distrust is the cause of adblocker use. Only that both are on the rise. Correlation is not causation. People can in the same period use more adblocking because ads are increasingly pernicious.