Ad-Blocker Extension for Firefox Suddenly Stopped Working

Hello,

I use Firefox with the Avast Online Security & Privacy extension. On both of my Windows devices today, I noticed I was seeing ads. The extension shows “Prevent tracking on all websites” is checked ON. However, below it is showing all the ad-trackers as “allowed”. Nothing I click on will cause them to be “blocked”. Everything appears to be up to date.

The extension suggested I download something called “Avast One Essential”, but since I already have Premium Security, it was apparently not necessary and not installed.

Is ad-blocking suddenly no longer supported? I tried posting screenshots, but don’t know how.

Thanks

I’m having the same issue, I noticed it this evening. I tried uninstalling and re-installing the browser extension. However, just like silentjim posted, I have it so the extension shows “Prevent tracking on all websites” is checked ON. However, all the ad-trackers as “allowed”. Nothing I click on will cause them to be “blocked”.

I have the most current version of Firefox (version 101.0 64-bit), and the browser extension is version 22.4.144, last updated June 3rd, 2022.

Please help.

EDIT: I have the most current version of Avast Free: version 22.5.6015, build 22.5.7263.726.

I also noticed, when I go to Browser Extensions from the Avast Antivirus interface, when I go to click to Enable the extension for Firefox, it doesn’t get enabled, and it just goes to a blank page.

EDIT #2: When I go to opt out from all new advertisers, it seems to be taking a long time to finish. It is saying “Opting out in progress”, and a circle keeps spinning next to where it says that.

I thought I would add, I noticed that when I go to click on the extension and do the ad opt-out, it says

“Try reloading your extension. We’ve run into a few issues but don’t worry, just reload your extension to keep being safe online”. Then underneath that, it has the button that says “Reload Extension”.

I don’t know how to capture and post screenshots.

I also noticed a message saying “There’s an error on our end” when going to opt out of ads,but it went by too quickly for me to see what it said.

https://support.avast.com/article/Create-screenshot/

Thank you for the link, Asyn, but I still am unsure how to do it.

I CAN give the link to the webpage (which comes up blank) when I go to click to Enable the extension for Firefox via the Browser Extensions from the Avast Antivirus interface:

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/downloads/file/3517837/avast_online_security-latest.xpi?src=external-app-menu-direct

Hi, you can submit a bug report in “About Avast”. (Add a link to this thread)

I sent a Bug Report just now.

I hope this will get fixed soon…

Just out of curiosity, I tried installing the Avast Online Security and Privacy extension for Microsoft Edge (both devices). It does the same thing. “Prevent tracking on all websites” is checked on, but ad tracking, web analytics, etc are shown as “allowed”.

The problem appears to not be limited to Firefox.

Hi Jim, as you use a paid product, you can contact support: https://support.avast.com/en-ww/contact/paid_pc_avast-premium-security

Dev-Info: [i]We made Anti-Tracking as premium feature in Avast One available countries. This feature is premium in Avast One and we were offering it for free with AOSP. However, there is a bug for users in Avast One available countries running AV Product (free or premium). In this case, Anti-Tracking should work without the limitation.

Fix was already posted to BETA and we expect it will be published to PROD sometime this week.[/i]

Thank you for posting this, Asyn. Just so I fully understand, this will be fixed for those not using Avast One (like me who isusing Avast Free)?

You’re welcome and yes.

Avast Online Security & Privacy for Firefox [22.4.149]
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/avast-online-security/

Ok. I removed the extension from Firefox and reinstalled it. Everything appears to be working now. It shows all trackers as “Blocked” now.

Thank you very much.

You’re welcome and thanks for the feedback.