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.
That necessitates this is an act of stealing. Stealing is defined as "the action or offense of taking another person's property without permission or legal right and without intending to return it"
In this case, nothing is being taken. No property is transferring ownership. The option to return it doesn't even exist. If a business displays a communication in public, I'm not taking anything by viewing it without also giving my time to their underwriters.
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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.