The move relates to Google policy which had suggested that ad blocking apps violated its terms of service.
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While Adblock Fast was pulled, Crystal was merely slowed down, for example – Google blocked its app update from going through, citing the same “violation” of its Android Developer Distribution Agreement as the reason.
In any event, the app is now back for those that like using Samsung’s stock Internet browser.
Rocketship’s appeal was initially rejected last Monday, and Adblock Fast was not allowed to issue updates.
Rocketship Apps, developer of the Adblock Fast app, had filed an appeal on February 1st, the same day it was pulled off the Google Play store. The first plugin to support Samsung’s initiative was Adblock Fast, developed by Rocketship apps. Moreover, you have the freedom to choose your new apps by Categories – you can select any category that’s available on Google Play.
The vast majority of PHAs come via side-loaded apps, as in those not on Google Play but other app stores.
So, feel free to once again download Adblock Fast for Android, which also got an update to extend support to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and above.
According to the agreement, any app found to be modifying or affecting the functionality of other apps in any way is bound to be removed from PlayStore. While it is not enabled by default, users are prompted to enable the app scanning system – and most Android users say yes, some 1.4 billion. Developers, however, are welcome to base their ad-blocking exploits off of APIs such as those provided by Samsung; this would ensure that users running Samsung’s “Internet” app will have access to legitimate ad-blocking apps. “Also unlike other ad blockers, Adblock Fast doesn’t allow “acceptable ads” and never will”.
We have contacted Google for more information as to what made the company reverse course and will update you if we hear back.
While Google is concerned about ad blockers, it has other concerns about the mobile Web, noted Gavin Dunaway, senior editor atAdMonsters.
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Thanks to that programme, she said fewer than 0.5 per cent of Android devices globally have a PHA installed on them.
