Katarzyna Petru
YouTube users have started to notice strange behaviour of the service while using browser ad blockers. In many cases, a message appears under videos informing that comments are disabled even if the discussion is actually ongoing. Video descriptions are sometimes also disappearing, which contain additional information, links, or sources. Interestingly, the problem often resolves after refreshing the page or disabling the ad-blocking extension. This phenomenon is reported by users of various browsers and devices. More and more people are beginning to suspect that this is not a coincidence.
Comments as a "Tool of Pressure"?
The comments section is, for many viewers, a key element of YouTube – a space for discussion, exchange of opinions, and filling in video content. If the platform is indeed restricting access to it for users with an active adblocker, it could be a form of indirect pressure to give up blocking ads or switch to ChooseTV Premium. This is not the first time that YouTube has tested methods to combat ad-blocking extensions. In the past, there have been warning messages, slow loading of videos, and even temporary blocks on watching content. However, limiting the visibility of comments would be a new, more subtle way of "encouraging" users to watch ads.
Technical problem or deliberate test?
At this moment, YouTube has not issued an official statement on this matter. It is therefore unclear whether we are dealing with a bug following recent changes to the interface or a controlled experiment. However, the scale of reports suggests that the situation does not concern isolated cases. If this phenomenon turns out to be part of an anti-adblock strategy, it may trigger another wave of dissatisfaction. For creators, this is also a potential problem as reduced visibility of comments means a decline in interactions and community engagement.
YouTube has been trying for years to limit the use of ad blockers, but the disappearing comments and descriptions of videos is a step that directly impacts the core functions of the platform. For now, it is unclear whether this is a bug or a planned strategy. One thing is certain, the tension between users and the advertising model of the service is still rising.
Source: DigitalTrends
