Google removes all ad blocking software from Google Play

Programs that block advertisements including AdBlock Plus, Adaway, Adfree Android and many others have all been removed today for violating the Terms of Service.

According to the terms of service for the Google Play Store all ad-blocking applications are in violation, and that is the reasoning behind the removal. The Play Store agreement is effectively what’s being used here, and here’s the agreement:

“Any app that interferes with, disrupts, damages, or accesses in an unauthorized manner the devices, servers, networks, or other properties or services of any third party including, but not limited to, Android users, Google or any mobile network operator.”

This image shows the results of searching for AdBlock.



Developers and users are complaining but we expect this to fall on deaf ears because at the end of the day, I am surprised Google ever allowed them in the first place.

You can still find these programs by going to Google and searching for the developers page of the program you want, for example https://adblockplus.org for the popular AdBlock.