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ShriviShine's avatar
ShriviShine
Copper Contributor
Jul 30, 2023

Should Microsoft Edge consider having an ad & content blocker? Or should Edge at least support them?

If users have consented to give diagnostic and other types of data to Microsoft, why should users be vulnerable to getting their data stolen by Google and random advertising companies and shown annoying ads? Ever since Google Chrome launched Manifest v3, some former Chrome users have switched to Firefox. I love Edge's functionality, but I can't resist the ad-blocking power of Ublock origin. As of right now, that is an mv2 extension. Knowing that mv3 is going to set limits on how these extensions work, I'm concerned if I should use Edge in the future. I totally agree Microsoft Edge should follow Google Chrome in improving security and necessary features to get rid of malicious extensions when developing mv3. But should Microsoft Edge follow EVERYTHING including weakening ad blockers, which helps Google advertise more because they're an advertising company? Here's some more information on this: Microsoft begins Manifest v3 tests in Edge that impacts extensions like content blockers - gHacks Tech News .That just compromises not only our privacy but also our freedom of choice to use certain extensions. If Microsoft Edge implemented an ad blocker or at least supported ad blockers like Firefox does (Here's some information about Firefox's response: https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/10/23131029/mozilla-ad-blocking-firefox-google-chrome-privacy-manifest-v3-web-request#:~:text=Mozilla%20pushes%20back,to%20ad%20blocking), wouldn't it be great for users? Well, I respect everyone else's take on this. Share your thoughts!

  • dftf-wip's avatar
    dftf-wip
    Iron Contributor

    Hi ShriviShine 

     

    You can somewhat block ads by using the Secure DNS feature in Edge.

     

    In the Edge menu (click the ... in the top-right, below the X), then click Settings

    Then click "Privacy, search, and services" on the left-hand list

    Then scroll-down on the right until you see "Use secure DNS to specify how to lookup the network address for websites"

     

    If you turn that option on, and then click the "Choose a service provider" option, you can then enter the URL of an ad-blocking service in there.  (If you search the web, you should easily be able to find various public ones).

     

    You need to look for ones that say they are "DNS over HTTPS" format, not "DNS over TLS". Any service you find should offer a URL that begins with https, for example:

    https://thisisjust.anexample.com/dns-query

     

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