Germany Considers a Ban on Ad Blockers: What’s at Stake
August 2025 – The Federal Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof, BGH) has reopened a longstanding case that may redefine the legality of ad-blocking tools in Germany.
The Legal Challenge
Axel Springer, one of Germany’s largest publishers, filed a lawsuit against Eyeo, the developer behind Adblock Plus, alleging that ad blockers violate copyright law. Their argument? Ad blockers modify how websites render—interfering with the HTML, CSS, and browser-based structures like the DOM and CSSOM, which Springer claims are part of a protected “computer program.” The BGH overturned part of a previous Hamburg court decision and has sent the case back for further consideration.
Why This Matters Beyond Ads
- Mozilla warns that a ruling against ad blockers could undermine tools essential for privacy and accessibility—not just ad filtering. Many browser extensions rely on similar technologies to modify page content for legitimate purposes.
- This could become a precedent affecting not only Germany but potentially other EU countries. If modifying web content is judged a copyright violation, many helpful tools—from VPN extensions to accessibility scripts—might be restricted.
Potential Outcomes
- Ban on ad blockers: If the court rules in favor of Axel Springer, Germany could be the second country—after China—to restrict ad-blocking tools.
- Broader restrictions: Similar tools may face limitations, reducing browser customization and privacy-enhancing capabilities.
- Impact on innovation: Extension developers may limit functionality or exit the market to avoid legal risks.
FAQ
Is ad blocking currently legal in Germany?
Yes. Previous rulings consistently upheld users’ rights to install ad-blocking tools. But the recent decision by BGH demands deeper examination of whether ad blockers infringe copyright.
What does Axel Springer argue?
Springer claims that ad blockers modify a website’s rendering code, which it considers to be a protected “computer program”—thus asserting that ad blockers engage in unauthorized modification.
Could this ruling impact other browser tools?
Yes. Mozilla cautions that the implications extend to tools used for security, accessibility, anti-phishing, and other privacy-centric extensions.
This page provides an overview based on current reporting and does not constitute legal advice. For official updates, watch for new rulings from the German courts or statements from the involved parties.
