What are third party ads?

This post concerns a topic I take a strong position on. I oppose internet users blocking ads believing that ethics require users accept content as intended by the author of that content. Third adds are different and I have asked ChatGPT to explain the difference between first-party and third-party ads

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Third-party online ads are advertisements that are displayed on websites or platforms by advertising networks or companies other than the website owner. These ads are generated by third-party ad servers and are typically targeted based on the user’s browsing history, demographics, and interests. The data used for targeting is often collected through cookies and other tracking technologies. Third-party online ads can be seen on various websites and are a common way for advertisers to reach their target audience across different platforms.

Can third party ads be blocked without blocking ads included by content authors

Yes, it is possible to block third-party ads without blocking ads included by content authors. You can achieve this by using ad blockers that specifically target third-party ad servers while allowing first-party ads from the website’s own content authors.

Ad blockers can differentiate between first-party and third-party domains and selectively block resources from third-party ad servers while still permitting ads that are directly served by the website you are visiting. This way, you can enjoy an ad-free experience while still supporting the content creators whose ads are part of their content.

Keep in mind that ad blocking should be done responsibly, and it’s always a good idea to support content creators and websites you enjoy by whitelisting them or using other methods of support they may offer.