Users of the Opera GX browser have reported that the YouTube website is not working when the browser’s built-in ad blocker is enabled. The issue manifests as the page becoming stuck in a perpetual loading loop, preventing users from accessing video content. Disabling the ad blocker has been confirmed to resolve the loading problem, allowing the site to function as expected.
The service disruption is a direct result of YouTube’s broader policy enforcement against ad-blocking software. Both Opera and YouTube have provided statements confirming the nature of the conflict.
YouTube’s Ad Blocker Crackdown and Opera’s Confirmation
YouTube has initiated a global effort to encourage viewers to either allow ads on the platform or subscribe to its ad-free YouTube Premium service. Christopher Lawton, YouTube’s communication manager, confirmed this initiative, stating that the use of ad blockers violates the platform’s Terms of Service. Lawton specified that ads support a diverse ecosystem of creators and that the platform is asking viewers to support them by allowing ads.
In response to the widespread reports from its users, Opera has also addressed the situation. Maciej Kocemba, a spokesperson for Opera, stated that the company is aware of the issue. Kocemba described the problem as what seems to be an “intended action by YouTube” to counter ad blockers and acknowledged that Opera’s software may not be able to keep up with the changes YouTube is implementing.
The Immediate Solution for Users
The conflict between YouTube’s new measures and ad-blocking technology has resulted in a degraded user experience for those with ad blockers enabled. The most common report from Opera GX users is the endless loading screen. The direct workaround for affected users is to navigate to the browser’s settings and disable the built-in ad blocker specifically for the YouTube domain.
This issue is not exclusive to the Opera GX browser. Users across various web browsers employing different ad-blocking extensions have reported similar problems, including pop-up messages from YouTube explicitly stating that ad blockers are not allowed on the platform. The situation is part of an ongoing interaction between YouTube and ad-blocker developers.
Concise Cyber 