Name: Lancero, Rustom M.

BSIT 412

04 Task Performance – ARG

1. Choose a product/ tool from the list below to evaluate.

- Adblock Plus (Cookie blocker)

2. In your evaluation, use:

a) The explanation provided by the producer of the product.

- A free and open-source browser add-on for content filtering and ad blocking is called
Adblock Plus.
b) At least two (2) positive reviews from independent sources; and
- Can block annoying ads on websites like YouTube and Facebook.
- Can work on different browsing software.
c) At least two (2) negative reviews from independent sources.
- When switched to another app, all group tabs are gone when you switch the app.
- The constant pausing of the playlist is annoying. It keeps asking if your still listening.

3. After reviewing what these sources say about the product or method, answer the following questions.

a) Explain in your own words how the tool works.

- Adblock Plus, as I comprehend it, is a browser extension that effectively combats the
nuisance of intrusive and disruptive advertisements encountered while browsing websites,
allowing users to enjoy a more pleasant and streamlined online experience by blocking the
obtrusive and irritating ads that can otherwise impede the enjoyment of web content.
b) Describe at least one (1) strength and one (1) weakness of the tool.
- The tool's main strength is its automatic ability to preventively block unnecessary and
intrusive advertisements that invariably appear and obstruct your view whenever you visit a
website. This feature significantly improves the overall user experience by getting rid of the
disruptive and distracting elements that often make it difficult for people to consume and
interact with web content. The application occasionally pauses playback to check if you are
still actively present and engaged, which can be a minor annoyance for users looking for
uninterrupted playback. On the other hand, one of its notable limitations becomes apparent
during prolonged usage on YouTube.
c) How is the product supposed to decrease the chances your identity might be exposed if you
were trying to interact anonymously online?
- By preventing tracking cookies from being used by advertisers to compile through profiles of
our online behavior, adblockers can help lower the risk of online identity disclosure. They
also lessen the likelihood that we will unintentionally click on misleading ads that could take
us to malicious websites, shielding us from malware and phishing threats. The exposure to
fraudulent ads and scams that might compromise our personal information is further
reduced by adblockers.
d) What are some circumstances where you might be identified anyway?
- It is important to keep in mind that, despite the advantages of using adblockers like Adblock
Plus, there are some circumstances that might arise in which users may run into difficulties.
For example, when a website expressly asks users to disable the adblocker extension in
order to continue viewing its content, this situation highlights the conflict between
adblockers and some websites' revenue models.