Online-Werbung, digitale Geschäftsmodelle und Adblocker

Ad blockers are an effective tool for protection against unwanted ads on the Internet, but they also threaten the existence of advertising-financed online services. This work deals with the conflict over the attention of Internet users to advertising and examines the permissibility of ad blocker software from the viewpoints of unfair competition, antitrust and civil law. Particular attention is also paid to the references to the topic under EU law and the scope of protection of the conflicting fundamental rights positions under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the German Basic Law. In addition, possible alternative measures for website operators are outlined and the need for legislative action to regulate ad blockers is discussed.