The rise and rise of adblocking software

Can the ad industry come up with new ways to engage with customers?

Flashing images, sounds that play automatically, pop-ups, X buttons that ignore repeated mouse clicks – online advertising can be infuriating. It is no surprise pesky ads are driving Irish internet users in their droves to download adblocking software. This software, usually free to download, removes or alters advertising content on webpages, websites and mobile apps.

Some 39 per cent of Irish people are now using the software on desktops, according to PageFair, an ...