I’m engaged in illegal activity…apparently

I have discovered that I may be a criminal, according to one campaign to ban Mozilla Firefox. Why? Because I choose to use Adblock plus, an extension that allows me to browse websites without being overwhelmed with advertising. I am, and have been for several years now a Mozilla Firefox user, initially because of security concerns with Internet Explorer, and more recently because it is familiar and I know how to use it. It is adaptable, friendly and reliable. On the odd occasion where a page cannot be viewed in Firefox, I use IEtab - an extension that mimics Internet Explorer without the security concerns.

I’m stealing the information on the websites I visit because I’m not always viewing the ads which pay for it, according to this site. I could even be breaching international copyright law, as apparently I am creating an edited version of the site, rather than viewing the original.

I have no problem with websites using advertising to pay in part for their site costs. But it is my right to choose not to be subject to their ad everytime I visit their page. It is my right to speed through the ads on a DVD or video, to go and make a cup of coffee whilst the programme I am watching is taking a break, or to turn up at the cinema at the last possible minute to avoid being subject to adverts I choose not to watch. Apparently not. Is it just me, or does this all seem slightly bonkers? I shall continue using adblock plus, to make my own decisions regarding the advertising I do wish to take advantage of and that I don’t wish to be subjected to, and await the police raid with anticipation.

I’m such a rebel.