Ad blocking refers to software that enables users to block all or most of the ads on websites or the internet. Proponents of ad blocking software say that all the ads and banners take longer to download than anything on the page; using ad blocking saves time, bandwidth and provides a more pleasant internet experience.

Opponents of ad blocking believe filtering the ads on a website that provides free material and generates revenue through ads tantamount to stealing. They argue that the loss of revenue will cause useful free sites to collect fees or shut down. 

Some websites, including MySpace.com and the Chicago Sun-Times prohibit ad blocking in their terms of service agreements.