Facebook adds options to control ads, says ad-blockers unnecessary

In a recent blog, Facebook pointed out that it has added new options for users to select ads according to their preference and asked users to abstain from using ad-blocking software.

Though Facebook acknowledged the fact that users have constantly complained about numerous irrelevant and unnecessary ads, the company explained that necessary options have been added to help users filter ads.

After receiving complaints about unnecessary ads popping up on users’ timelines, the social networking giant has taken numerous steps to understand user preference.

Improved ad controls

After conducting adequate research on ad preference, Facebook has now introduced tools to help user control their ad-viewing experience, which will help them decide the ads they want to see and the ones best avoided.

The blog said: “With today’s announcement, we’re building on these efforts by making ad preferences easier to use, so you can stop seeing certain types of ads.”

If users do not wish to see ads about a certain interest, they can now remove it from the ad preferences option.

In other cases where businesses or organisations add users to their customer lists, individuals remove themselves with assistance from this new tool. “These improvements are designed to give people even more control over how their data informs the ads they see.”

Against ad-blocking

The company said that ads can also help users find new interesting products and service; however, ad-blocking cannot be the right solution to the problem.

However, Facebook said after the addition of tools, no advertisements would be blocked on their desktop platform, even if some one has ad-blocker installed.

It also pointed out that some ad-blocking companies accept money in exchange for showing ads previously blocked by users.

Sharing his view on the issue, President and CEO of the IAB Randall Rothenberg said that advertising forms an essential part of democratic capitalism, helping inform consumers and citizens about better prices, better features, better job opportunities, and even better political candidates.

“Facebook should be applauded for its leadership on preserving a vibrant value exchange with its users. Its decision to respect advertising as an essential ingredient in connecting users worldwide is spot-on, and should be replicated across the free and open Internet,” Rothenberg said.

Pointing out that Facebook supports free flowing content on its platform, the blog highlighted that ads support its mission of giving people the power to share and making the world more open and connected.