Google recently went on a spree of removing and banning any ad blocking-related apps from its Android-based app store.
The most recent high-profile name to have seen the axe was Samsung Ad Blocker. However, it seems the search engine giant has moved a step backwards, instead choosing to reverse this decision. Other affected players include Adblock Fast which was removed while other such as Crystal’s ad blocker was denied updates.
The move by Google to re-allow ad blockers back to the Play Store came in after its decision was questioned by some of the affected parties such as Rocketship – the company behind Adblock Fast. It appears that Google wants to take control of the kind of apps appear in the Play Store like Apple dictates the App Store, but the latest move to do so wasn’t just the best.
According to a report from a person close to the matter, Google’s earlier decision to ban ad blockers was planned. The company wanted to kick out such apps and instead support the mobile web browsers that come with inbuilt ad blocking capabilities such as the Adblock Plus web browser and those that support the same via extensions, for instance, Firefox web browser. The company had further chosen to kick out standalone ad blocking apps such as Adblock Fast.
As mentioned earlier, not all ad blocking apps received the same treatment. While others such as Adblock Fast were completely removed from the Play Store, others such as Crystal were simply slowed down. When asked why the search engine giant went for its usual “violation” of its mobile OS’ regulations.
According to the Android Developer Distribution Agreement section 4.4, it is clear that no third party developer is allowed to mess around with the devices, servers, networks or even any other properties or services of any third-party. This includes and is not limited to those using Android, Google or any other mobile carrier.
Despite this, Nashville Chatter understands that Google will have no problem with apps integrating with other apps via authorized channels such as APIs. However, it will keep on barring those apps that obstruct with the functionality of other apps in a manner that is not authorized.
All of these issues began when Samsung unveiled its ad block-supported web browser. However, other major names in the industry remained untouched, for instance, Adblock Plus. In fact, the company unveiled a new version of this app for Samsung Browser and is available for download via the Google Play Store.
Google has yet to issue an official statement on this matter.