French ISP Free has introduced the beta version of software to block online ads, a controversial move people have started to call "Adgate". Le Monde reports that the system was activated by default in a 3 January software upgrade for the Freebox STB/modem and starts working when customers restart the device. Free's 5.3 million broadband customers do not have the possibility of setting up a "white list" of websites where they are happy to see ads.
PC Inpact writes that the ad blocking software works with all operating systems, eliminates Google AdWord spaces and some links. Banners are affected on some other sites, but this is aleatory and some are less affected than others. Free, which wants Google and others to pay for access to its customers, told ZDNet that adblockers are legal and even promoted on Chrome and other browsers.
PC Inpact writes that the ad blocking software works with all operating systems, eliminates Google AdWord spaces and some links. Banners are affected on some other sites, but this is aleatory and some are less affected than others. Free, which wants Google and others to pay for access to its customers, told ZDNet that adblockers are legal and even promoted on Chrome and other browsers.
