Will MS IE8 Block Ads and Affiliate Cookies by Default?

[Linda Buquet]

Every 3 months or so something hits the media that "threatens" to kill the online advertising industry. So here's the latest. The new Microsoft IE 8 has some privacy features that could be problematic for the online marketing industry.

I've seen some articles that say the feature that could block ads and 3rd party cookies is on by default and that's worrisome. However another article I read said you have to turn on the privacy features every browser session if you want to use them. I hope once IE8 hits the mainstream it will turn out that it's not a problem for affiliate marketers. It's something to be aware of though.

I'm still researching the media stories but am not in a position to download the beta for testing. So if any of you do, please report in the comments.

The Post has some pretty sensational doom and gloom for the ad industry.

Accidental Ad Blocker - Washington Post

The advertising industry is bracing for trouble from the next version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer, details of which were announced today, because it will offer a feature that blocks some ads and other content from third-parties that shows up on Web pages.

"It has the potential to undermine the economies of the Internet," said Mike Zaneis, vice president of the Interactive Advertising Bureau.

Here is detailed info from the Microsoft IE blog: IE8 and Privacy

Other news stories:

New Microsoft Browser May Block Web Advertisements

"… the Firefox plug-in AdBlock, which eliminates most display advertisements automatically and gives me the freedom to block Flash and other annoying components of the Web.

"Microsoft's addition, though, makes that a default setting within the browser, one that people who aren't prone to adding plug-ins and such on their computer will love."

Internet Explorer 8’s InPrivate Could Block Advertising - Wired Blog

[KillerRKO17]

Nice post, very informative. I suggest Firefox

[Linda Buquet]

Great FF image!!!

I just read FF is coming out with similar features.

[KillerRKO17]

ORLY? That makes me

You should post that too for others to see.

[Linda Buquet]

Can't remember where I saw it I researched a ton of articles trying to find the best info for that post. I'll see if I can dig it up if I get some time tonight.

[Linda Buquet]

Found it, here it is.

WebProNews: Microsoft to Help Porn Viewers, Hurt Advertisers

"Mozilla has acknowledged that Microsoft has beaten them to the punch for once with these features, but according to the New York Times, they aren't too far behind, and will be releasing a Firefox update with similar features likely later this year or early next year."