US-based technology giant Google recently made a radical decision regarding YouTube. In line with this decision, the use of the platform with ad-blocking applications was prohibited. With a change it made to the YouTube algorithm, Google would detect ad-blocking applications on the device in question, and the video playback feature would be stopped after 3 videos.
However, this decision of Google disturbed the users. In fact, a privacy expert named Alexander Hanff, who lives in Ireland, took action to sue YouTube regarding the issue. Hanff and his lawyers argue that the change to YouTube’s algorithm violates user privacy and is against European Union law.
“YouTube’s algorithm leads to illegal spying”
According to the privacy expert, codes added to the YouTube algorithm cause illegal spying, even if it is for the purpose of blocking ads. As a result, this time YouTube follows the user only for its own interests and without permission. Alexander Hanff, who officially filed a criminal complaint in Ireland, has also applied to the Irish Data Protection Commission.
According to the information obtained, the criminal complaint and other applications have already reached Google. However, the company has not made a statement on the subject for now. Although it is already a matter of curiosity how the case will proceed, it seems that Google will have a headache. Because the European Union’s “Digital Markets Law” really puts technology companies in a corner. Google may be forced to re-release its ad blocking practices as a result of this lawsuit.
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