Blockers for Online Ads and Data Collection
This workshop explains how to use uBlock Origin to block ads and tracking online.
Instructions
Install uBlock Origin
- Navigate to https://ublockorigin.com/
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In your web browser, select the Get uBlock Origin button near the top of the browser window.
The response may vary. The add-on or extension marketplace for your web browser will appear, along with an entry for the uBlock Origin tool.
- In your web browser, select the Add button (the precise text may vary).
The uBlock Origin extension will appear in your web browser’s top bar as a red shield icon marked with a stylized “uo”.
Use Block ads and tracking on a website
Once it is installed, uBlock Origin will begin to block unwanted content right away. You can customize which elements are blocked, and how strictly to enforce rules.
- Navigate to any website.
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Select the uBlock Origin icon.
A small drop-down menu appears containing a large blue power button, indicating that uBlock Origin is currently active on this site. From here:
- Select the power button to disable uBlock Origin for the current site. You will be prompted to reload the site in order to see changes.
- Select More at the bottom of the uBlock Origin window to see additional features for toggling JavaScript, large media files, and other content on and off.
Customize filter lists
- Navigate to any website.
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Select the uBlock Origin icon in your web browser.
A small drop-down menu appears containing a large blue power button, indicating that uBlock Origin is currently active on this site.
- At the bottom right of the uBlock Origin window, select the gear icon. If you do not see this icon, select More at the bottom of the uBlock Origin window to expand its user interface.
- Select the Filter lists tab at the top of the setting screen.
- Check off as many of the lists as you’d like. According to privacyguides.org, all the items under Ads, Privacy and Malware domains should be selected. The Annoyances and Multipurpose lists can also be enabled, but they may break the features or interactivity on some websites.
- Select Apply changes at the top of the browser window.
Review
Task for Learning
Navigate to any popular news website and use uBlock Origin to disable remotely-hosted fonts.
Review Question
Blockers for Online Ads and Data Collection © 2021 by Kris Joseph is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.