Google is actively trying to block YouTube video playback for some users who have enabled Microsoft Edge’s strict tracking protection mode. This strict tracking protection mode is designed to enhance privacy by limiting the tracking abilities of websites, including Google, WindowsLatest reported.
Microsoft Edge comes with three levels of tracking protection: Basic, Balanced (Default), and Strict. The Strict mode is the most privacy-focused and may block certain tracking attempts by websites.
When users with Microsoft Edge’s Strict tracking protection mode try to watch YouTube videos, they may encounter a warning or pop-up message that blocks video playback. This message suggests that an ad blocker may be activated and asks users to either allow YouTube ads or turn off the ad blocker.
Google’s perspective is that ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service. They argue that ads enable global access to YouTube and support content creators. They encourage users to choose between allowing ads or purchasing YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.
The impact of this situation varies, and not all users with Microsoft Edge’s Strict tracking protection mode experience issues. Some users may be able to watch YouTube videos without any problems. In contrast, others may encounter the ad-blocker pop-up.
In summary, Google appears to be actively targeting users who have enabled Microsoft Edge’s strict tracking protection mode with ad-blocker warnings on YouTube. To resolve this issue and continue watching videos, users can either disable tracking protection or switch to the default tracking protection mode in Microsoft Edge.
