Recently, some YouTube users have reported a five-second delay when playing videos on the Firefox browser. This delay has been linked to the use of ad blockers and Google’s efforts to combat these programs.

According to vk6, who shared their experience on Reddit, when they played a video on YouTube in Firefox, the screen went black for several seconds before the video started. However, when they switched to Chrome, the video started playing automatically. The reason behind this delay is believed to be related to the use of ad-blocking extensions in the Firefox browser.

The code that is causing this delay has been identified as 5E3 in the polymer script link. While some users claim that this delay is not a Firefox bug but rather a code added by Google, YouTube has confirmed that it is implementing global measures to combat ad blockers in browsers. This includes an increase in warnings urging users to avoid using ad blockers or subscribe to YouTube Premium. If users continue to use ad blockers, the platform may block playback of the video altogether.

This measure has led to an increase in uninstalls of ad blockers and installations of alternative ad-blocking programs such as AdGuard, AdLock, and Ghostery. Privacy activist Alexander Hanff has also reported concerns about privacy violations by Google and YouTube due to their reliance on advertising revenue and their possible use of spy software to detect ad blockers in browsers.

Overall, while Google and YouTube’s fight against ad blockers may have its benefits in terms of revenue generation, it raises important questions about user privacy and online security. As such, it is crucial for these companies and policymakers alike