Legal Regulation of the Advertising Blocking Feature-A Chinese Perspective

Abstract

Abstract-Ad blocking tools have become part of the unfair competition debate in China. Leading Chinese online video companies have initiated several lawsuits against Web browsers and software developers that provide add-ons or similar tools that let people avoid advertisements. Chinese courts have taken a strong stance in support of the online video industry's ad-based business model, ruling that Web browsers and software that provide ad avoidance plug-ins are liable for unfair competition. This paper reviews those cases dealing with ad blocking tools and explores the judicial approach taken by the Chinese courts as well as the implications of the courts' ruling on the related industry.