14 DAY TRIAL // Google has removed all ad-blocking apps from the Play Store. The company didn't make much of a fuss about it, but the reasoning behind the move is quite obvious, ad blockers mean lost revenue for Google.
That said, ad blockers are available in the Chrome Web Store and, despite being available for years, these tools haven't "ruined" the web just yet.
But Google is relying on terms in its developer agreement which say apps can't interfere with other apps or the normal operation of the devices they run on. This includes interfering with ads.
It could be argued that Google has more at stake with Android, since many apps also rely on ads, not just websites. Those ads are mostly served by Google.
The makers of Adblock Plus are not thrilled by the move, to say the least. They also complain about Google taking steps to limit Adblock Plus' visibility in the Chrome Store.
"I realize that advertising revenue is important to Google, but understand that Adblock Plus does not automatically block all ads; we simply allow users the choice whether to block ads or whitelist them. We even encourage advertising that is done appropriately and conforms to an Acceptable Ads policy, which is debated and decided in an open public forum," Till Faida, cofounder of Adblock Plus, said.
"By unilaterally removing these apps, Google is stepping all over the checks and balances that make the Internet democratic. People should be really alarmed by this move," he added.
Users that have already installed Adblock Plus or similar tools on their phones or browser have nothing to worry about, they will continue to work. You'll also find these tools on their official websites, if you search for them. But it's safe to say that limiting or blocking their access to the app stores will significantly affect their visibility.