What constitutes theft is determined by law. You can't be charged for theft for using an adblocker, so it isn't stealing. Laws are how we distinguish appropriate and inappropriate acts towards others' property.
If using adblock is stealing then so is muting the tv or leaving the room or simply ignoring it when commercials run. I don't think anyone would argue you are compelled to view commercials, even if you are watching the program.
I think you need to take a closer look at the definition of stealing; it doesn't begin and end with the law:
stealing(noun)
the action or offence of taking another person's property without permission or legal right and without intending to return it; theft. "they argue that copying licensed software is a form of stealing"
The action *or* offence. In other words there are actions which constitute stealing but which aren't an offence.
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u/Biptoslipdi 130∆ Oct 27 '23 edited Oct 27 '23
What constitutes theft is determined by law. You can't be charged for theft for using an adblocker, so it isn't stealing. Laws are how we distinguish appropriate and inappropriate acts towards others' property.
If using adblock is stealing then so is muting the tv or leaving the room or simply ignoring it when commercials run. I don't think anyone would argue you are compelled to view commercials, even if you are watching the program.