YouTube has confirmed that the slowdown in video loading on its platform that some users have noticed when using Firefox is not related to any specific browser, but rather a measure taken to encourage users to stop using ad blockers.
During recent days, some users have experienced a five-second delay in video loading when using Firefox, with the screen remaining black for several seconds before the video starts playing. This issue has not been observed in other browsers like Chrome.
According to YouTube, the delay is due to the use of ad blocker extensions in Firefox and is part of Google’s efforts to combat the use of these programs on its platform. A YouTube spokesperson stated that users with ad blockers installed may experience suboptimal display regardless of the browser they use, adding that the company encourages users either to allow ads on YouTube or try a subscription to the Premium version if they do not want advertising.
This delay in video playback is another measure that YouTube has implemented to deter the use of ad blockers, joining previous measures such as warnings and the possibility of video playback being blocked if ad blockers are detected.
Google’s main business is advertising, so fighting against ad blockers is critical for its YouTube platform. However, there are concerns that this fight may be violating user privacy by using spyware to detect these programs in browsers.