YouTube recently launched a campaign urging users with ad blockers to watch ads or switch to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience. However, a cybersecurity report by MalwareBytes reveals a paradox: YouTube runs ads for ad blockers.
Mixed Messages and Confusion
YouTube has been explicit about ad blockers violating its Terms of Service, emphasizing the choice between watching ads or opting for a premium subscription.
Despite this, as of November 9th, 2023, YouTube still displayed an ad for Total Adblock, a tool blocking ads. This inconsistency needs to be clarified for users.
Ineffectiveness Against Scam Ads
Malwarebytes also points out that YouTube needs to do more to combat scam advertisements on its platform. In just a minute of searching, the cybersecurity firm found a Quantum AI crypto scam, exposing users to potential financial losses.
Concerns for User Safety
YouTube’s lack of action against fraudulent ads raises concerns about user safety. MalwareBytes suggests that YouTube may be struggling to control its ad content, potentially driving users to resort to ad blockers for a safer experience.
Google Faces Hefty Fine in Moscow Over Data Storage Dispute
A Moscow court has imposed a fine of 15 million roubles ($164,000) on Google for persistently refusing to store the data of Russian users on servers within Russia.
Ongoing Tensions Between Russia and Tech Giants
Russia has been in ongoing conflicts with international tech companies, touching on content, censorship, data storage, and local representation. This dispute escalated after Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022.
Google’s Woes in Russia
Google’s Russian subsidiary has faced scrutiny for failing to remove content that Moscow considers illegal and limiting access to certain Russian media on YouTube.
The technology giant’s Russian branch filed for bankruptcy during the summer of 2022, triggered by authorities seizing its bank account. This seizure made it impossible for the company to meet financial obligations to its staff and vendors.
More from Google!
Google Takes Legal Action Against Scammers
In a proactive move, Google is pursuing legal action against scammers engaging in fraudulent activities, aiming to establish legal precedents and deter similar scams in the future.
Targeting Malicious Use of Bard AI
One group of scammers has been enticing unsuspecting users interested in artificial intelligence (AI) by promoting the “download” of Bard, Google’s freely available generative AI tool.
However, users unknowingly downloaded malware instead of accessing Bard, compromising their social media accounts. Google has taken down approximately 300 instances related to this group since April.
Google aims to obtain orders preventing scammers from establishing domains, potentially disabling them in collaboration with US domain registrars. If successful, this legal action could serve as a deterrent and create a precise mechanism to prevent similar scams.
Combatting DMCA Weaponization
Another group exploited the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by filing fraudulent copyright notices from fake accounts, harming business competitors.
Google’s lawsuit targets individuals who set up numerous Google accounts, submitting thousands of bogus copyright claims that removed over 100,000 business websites.
This caused significant financial losses and thousands of hours of lost employee time.
Google’s legal action intends to deter and end such activities while increasing public awareness. Despite the DMCA’s original purpose to protect internet users and copyright holders, scammers have abused it.
Google emphasizes its commitment to taking appropriate legal measures and collaborating with government officials to ensure scammers face justice, contributing to a safer internet for everyone.
Google highlights its ongoing efforts to block over 100 million phishing attempts daily through Gmail, protect over 5 billion devices with Safe Browsing, and scan over 100 billion apps on Google Play.
Your Hand Down But Guards Up When It Comes to Privacy!
YouTube must reconsider its position and address the growing concerns regarding its ad policies. The hope is that YouTube will take action to ensure a more secure and reliable advertising environment for its users.
In Russia, the Kremlin banned social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, and it has not restricted access to Google’s services. Both offered for free, Google’s search engine and YouTube platform continue to operate in Russia. We wish that Google responds early to address the issue.
Besides this, Google has invested all efforts in safe browsing practices, and as a tech leader, we wish it would do more!
We usually just look out for personal data protection; sometimes, even the big companies unexpectedly slip the national restrictions imposed on them. Despite being restricted by US law to export AI chips to China, Nvidia has found a way to do so.
Marrium Akhtar
November 16, 2023
5 months ago
