Google has been in the middle of another controversy this week, as reports claim that YouTube has started slowing video buffer with ad-block enabled.
We assumed that Google has decided to ramp up its efforts to prevent YouTube users from using ad-blockers, which seriously affects the platform monetization model.
YouTube reiterated numerous times in the past that ad-blockers not only go against its terms of service, but they also affect content creators’ earnings. Given YouTube’s stance on the matter, many assumed that the recent video slowdowns were linked with the use of ad blockers.
However, Google recently denied these reports without really offering any reasons for these video slowdowns, most likely because YouTube is not the culprit in this case.
In a short statement for AndroidCentral, YouTube says that “recent reports users experiencing loading delays on YouTube are unrelated to our ad blocker detection efforts. Our help center offers troubleshooting tips for users experiencing issues.”
Interestingly enough, the latest versions of Adblock and Adblock Plus (5.17) seem to be the only ones that are causing performance problems, at least according to uBlock Origin developer Raymond Hill.
