You click a link to a simple pasta recipe or a short news article. The text and a couple of photos barely weigh 200–300 KB. So why does the webpage still take a few seconds to load, and leave your phone feeling slightly warm in your hand?
Because in the first 300 milliseconds after your click, an entire stock market opens up behind the scenes:
• A live auction for your eyes (real-time Bbidding): Before the text even appears on your screen, the website broadcasts your profile to dozens of ad networks, which bid against each other in real time to serve you an ad
• Session replay scripts: Plenty of websites run scripts that quietly record where your cursor moves, how fast you scroll, and which paragraph you pause on
• Browser fingerprinting: Hidden scripts query your browser for your screen resolution, installed fonts, GPU model, and audio settings to build a unique ID — even if you clear your cookies
To show you 300 KB of actual content, a single webpage can fire off 100+ third-party requests and load megabytes of background code.
When AdGuard is on, it doesn’t just hide ugly banners on the page — it stops those requests from ever leaving your device in the first place. That’s why pages snap open instantly and your battery lasts longer: adguard.com/en/welcome.htm…
Because in the first 300 milliseconds after your click, an entire stock market opens up behind the scenes:
• A live auction for your eyes (real-time Bbidding): Before the text even appears on your screen, the website broadcasts your profile to dozens of ad networks, which bid against each other in real time to serve you an ad
• Session replay scripts: Plenty of websites run scripts that quietly record where your cursor moves, how fast you scroll, and which paragraph you pause on
• Browser fingerprinting: Hidden scripts query your browser for your screen resolution, installed fonts, GPU model, and audio settings to build a unique ID — even if you clear your cookies
To show you 300 KB of actual content, a single webpage can fire off 100+ third-party requests and load megabytes of background code.
When AdGuard is on, it doesn’t just hide ugly banners on the page — it stops those requests from ever leaving your device in the first place. That’s why pages snap open instantly and your battery lasts longer: adguard.com/en/welcome.htm…
0
1
37
2,072
🍏🤖 AdGuard VPN v2.17.1 for iOS and Android: darker theme, smoother animations
This patch introduces a few subtle interface refinements:
* Refined dark theme: The dark theme is now truly deep black, providing better contrast and a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments.
* Large-screen optimization: UI animations have been adjusted to scale properly on tablets and foldable devices, ensuring the same smooth and consistent visual experience as on standard mobile displays.
Update today and let us know how it works for you in the comments.
More info: adguard-vpn.com/en/blog/adguar…
This patch introduces a few subtle interface refinements:
* Refined dark theme: The dark theme is now truly deep black, providing better contrast and a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments.
* Large-screen optimization: UI animations have been adjusted to scale properly on tablets and foldable devices, ensuring the same smooth and consistent visual experience as on standard mobile displays.
Update today and let us know how it works for you in the comments.
More info: adguard-vpn.com/en/blog/adguar…
1
0
31
1,794
⚠️ A private key in one second: How AdGuard responded to the eMudhra flaw
In October, we released security updates for AdGuard after a critical vulnerability was discovered at eMudhra, a major certificate authority. Certificate authorities issue digital certificates that help your browser check that you’re visiting your bank’s real website, for example, rather than a phishing copy.
Due to a flaw in its random number generator, the private keys of eight intermediate certificates could be recovered from public data… in under a second. An attacker with these keys could issue fraudulent certificates and pass off their sites as legitimate.
Fortunately, there have been no public reports of these keys being exploited in real-world attacks. Google, Mozilla, Apple, and Microsoft revoked trust in the affected certificates within hours.
Why did this affect AdGuard?
AdGuard was not involved in the incident, but we had to adjust how our apps handle HTTPS traffic because they check certificates independently of the browser. We quickly added the compromised eMudhra certificates to our blocklist and rolled out emergency hotfixes:
• AdGuard for Windows: v8.0.3 (as well as a dedicated v7.22.10 release for those still on v7.x)
• AdGuard for Android: v4.15.1
• AdGuard for Mac: v2.20.2
• AdGuard for Linux: v1.5
What does this mean for you?
If you visit a site that uses an affected certificate, AdGuard will disable HTTPS filtering for it. This is intentional: our app should not mask the issue or interfere with your browser’s ability to warn you about an unsafe connection. Yes, ads might slip through on those pages, but security always comes first.
In October, we released security updates for AdGuard after a critical vulnerability was discovered at eMudhra, a major certificate authority. Certificate authorities issue digital certificates that help your browser check that you’re visiting your bank’s real website, for example, rather than a phishing copy.
Due to a flaw in its random number generator, the private keys of eight intermediate certificates could be recovered from public data… in under a second. An attacker with these keys could issue fraudulent certificates and pass off their sites as legitimate.
Fortunately, there have been no public reports of these keys being exploited in real-world attacks. Google, Mozilla, Apple, and Microsoft revoked trust in the affected certificates within hours.
Why did this affect AdGuard?
AdGuard was not involved in the incident, but we had to adjust how our apps handle HTTPS traffic because they check certificates independently of the browser. We quickly added the compromised eMudhra certificates to our blocklist and rolled out emergency hotfixes:
• AdGuard for Windows: v8.0.3 (as well as a dedicated v7.22.10 release for those still on v7.x)
• AdGuard for Android: v4.15.1
• AdGuard for Mac: v2.20.2
• AdGuard for Linux: v1.5
What does this mean for you?
If you visit a site that uses an affected certificate, AdGuard will disable HTTPS filtering for it. This is intentional: our app should not mask the issue or interfere with your browser’s ability to warn you about an unsafe connection. Yes, ads might slip through on those pages, but security always comes first.
3
1
66
6,027
🎙 “My friend and I were just talking about dog food in my kitchen, and 30 minutes later, I got an ad for that exact brand. I don’t even have a dog!”
Sounds familiar? It’s easy to assume your phone is secretly recording your microphone 24/7. The truth is both simpler and on’t need to listen to you at all.
Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes:
• Shared Wi-Fi and location graphs
Your friend comes over and connects to your home Wi-Fi — or you simply sit next to each other for an hour. Data brokers immediately link your devices.
• Their search history becomes your ad
Two days ago, your friend searched for that dog food brand. Ad networks connect the dots: since you just hung out in person, there’s a high chance that topic came up in conversation.
• Lookalike profiling
Trackers know when you wake up, what articles you read, and how long you pause on a post. When people with a digital profile similar to yours start buying a specific product, algorithms serve it to you before you even think of searching for it.
Recording billions of microphones non-stop would be too expensive, illegal, and easy to spot in network traffic. Matching two IP addresses and a dozen tracking scripts, on the other hand, takes milliseconds.
That’s why hiding banner ads is only half the battle — blocking trackers before they can connect those dots is what really keeps your business yours.
What’s the creepiest “my phone is definitely listening to me” ad you’ve ever gotten?
Sounds familiar? It’s easy to assume your phone is secretly recording your microphone 24/7. The truth is both simpler and on’t need to listen to you at all.
Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes:
• Shared Wi-Fi and location graphs
Your friend comes over and connects to your home Wi-Fi — or you simply sit next to each other for an hour. Data brokers immediately link your devices.
• Their search history becomes your ad
Two days ago, your friend searched for that dog food brand. Ad networks connect the dots: since you just hung out in person, there’s a high chance that topic came up in conversation.
• Lookalike profiling
Trackers know when you wake up, what articles you read, and how long you pause on a post. When people with a digital profile similar to yours start buying a specific product, algorithms serve it to you before you even think of searching for it.
Recording billions of microphones non-stop would be too expensive, illegal, and easy to spot in network traffic. Matching two IP addresses and a dozen tracking scripts, on the other hand, takes milliseconds.
That’s why hiding banner ads is only half the battle — blocking trackers before they can connect those dots is what really keeps your business yours.
What’s the creepiest “my phone is definitely listening to me” ad you’ve ever gotten?
1
2
29
1,842
Meet AdGuard Mini for Mac v3.0!
This update makes the app faster and lighter and brings an early preview of our new feature.
What’s new:
⚡️ Less RAM, more speed: Moved the interface to WKWebView, a built-in macOS component powered by WebKit, the same engine Safari is built on. Now the app launches much faster, uses less RAM and CPU.
🛡️ System-wide protection (experimental): Rolled out an early preview of the new feature, which blocks ads and trackers across apps beyond Safari. It’s available on macOS 26+ with an AdGuard license, though an unresolved Apple bug may affect reliability on some macOS versions, including macOS 27.2.
🗣️ Basic VoiceOver support: Added initial screen reader support, so VoiceOver can now announce headings and interactive controls aloud.
🧹 Tidier tray: Added the option to hide story cards in the app menu with a single click to keep things clutter-free.
Want to dive deeper into the details? Read our blog: adguard.com/en/blog/adguar…
This update makes the app faster and lighter and brings an early preview of our new feature.
What’s new:
⚡️ Less RAM, more speed: Moved the interface to WKWebView, a built-in macOS component powered by WebKit, the same engine Safari is built on. Now the app launches much faster, uses less RAM and CPU.
🛡️ System-wide protection (experimental): Rolled out an early preview of the new feature, which blocks ads and trackers across apps beyond Safari. It’s available on macOS 26+ with an AdGuard license, though an unresolved Apple bug may affect reliability on some macOS versions, including macOS 27.2.
🗣️ Basic VoiceOver support: Added initial screen reader support, so VoiceOver can now announce headings and interactive controls aloud.
🧹 Tidier tray: Added the option to hide story cards in the app menu with a single click to keep things clutter-free.
Want to dive deeper into the details? Read our blog: adguard.com/en/blog/adguar…
1
1
47
4,237
👤 In folklore, meeting your doppelgänger was a bad omen. In 2026, your digital twin doesn’t even need to cross paths with you to ruin your day — it could already be scamming your followers, starring in ads you never agreed to, or getting ready to reply to your DMs after you die.
e AI doppelgänger stories from the past year that feel straight out of Black Mirror:
• The clone that blocked the original
A UK creator found an AI double of themselves on Instagram that had copied their face, voice, tattoos, and speech patterns. The fake account racked up 100,000 followers pushing a sketchy app — and blocked the real creator when they tried to warn people
• Fashion’s AI Frankenstein
According to a Reuters investigation, draft contracts from major fashion brands seek permission to graft models’ faces onto other bodies, alter their age and skin, and use their likenesses to train AI
• Grandma as a paid subscription
Startup 2wai went viral with an ad showing a boy growing up on video calls with an AI replica of his late grandmother, built from a three-minute recording — and its CEO confirmed plans to charge for conversation time
• Meta’s patent for post-mortem DMs
Meta patented an AI trained on your posts, comments, and likes that can keep chatting with your friends — and even simulate voice and video calls — after you pass away. Why? Because, as the patent puts it, a user’s absence “affects the user experience,” especially “if that user is deceased”
• Licensing your digital soul
While Matthew McConaughey trademarked his famous “Alright, alright, alright” to fight off unauthorized AI clones, footballer Cristian Volpato went the other way — signing over exclusive rights to his face, voice, and biometric data so his AI twin can appear in ads while he gets on with his life.
Unlike a Halloween mask, your face and voice aren’t things you can take off when the party’s over.
e AI doppelgänger stories from the past year that feel straight out of Black Mirror:
• The clone that blocked the original
A UK creator found an AI double of themselves on Instagram that had copied their face, voice, tattoos, and speech patterns. The fake account racked up 100,000 followers pushing a sketchy app — and blocked the real creator when they tried to warn people
• Fashion’s AI Frankenstein
According to a Reuters investigation, draft contracts from major fashion brands seek permission to graft models’ faces onto other bodies, alter their age and skin, and use their likenesses to train AI
• Grandma as a paid subscription
Startup 2wai went viral with an ad showing a boy growing up on video calls with an AI replica of his late grandmother, built from a three-minute recording — and its CEO confirmed plans to charge for conversation time
• Meta’s patent for post-mortem DMs
Meta patented an AI trained on your posts, comments, and likes that can keep chatting with your friends — and even simulate voice and video calls — after you pass away. Why? Because, as the patent puts it, a user’s absence “affects the user experience,” especially “if that user is deceased”
• Licensing your digital soul
While Matthew McConaughey trademarked his famous “Alright, alright, alright” to fight off unauthorized AI clones, footballer Cristian Volpato went the other way — signing over exclusive rights to his face, voice, and biometric data so his AI twin can appear in ads while he gets on with his life.
Unlike a Halloween mask, your face and voice aren’t things you can take off when the party’s over.
2
0
7
1,412
AdGuard Content Blocker is now a thing of the past. Welcome AdGuard Mini for Android!
The app you knew for blocking ads in two supported browsers has evolved into something much bigger. AdGuard Mini for Android keeps the simple setup and adds a fresh look — plus a whole new set of tools.
Technically, it’s just an update. But in practice, it’s the biggest release in the app’s history.
📖 Get the full story in our blog: adguard.com/en/blog/adguar…
🚀 Ready to try it? Update AdGuard Content Blocker or get AdGuard Mini for Android: agrd.io/adguard-mini-f…
The app you knew for blocking ads in two supported browsers has evolved into something much bigger. AdGuard Mini for Android keeps the simple setup and adds a fresh look — plus a whole new set of tools.
Technically, it’s just an update. But in practice, it’s the biggest release in the app’s history.
📖 Get the full story in our blog: adguard.com/en/blog/adguar…
🚀 Ready to try it? Update AdGuard Content Blocker or get AdGuard Mini for Android: agrd.io/adguard-mini-f…
5
9
188
14,891
👻 Final hours: Catch the AdGuard Halloween sale before it vanishes!
Grab your discount before midnight tonight, November 1
Grab your discount before midnight tonight, November 1
🎃 Halloween deals on AdGuard products
We’ve already told you about who lives in your home: a vacuum with a camera, a fridge with ads, cookies you invited in yourself. Now it's seven nights to show them the door
The promo runs through November 1
links 👇
0
3
18
1,872
AdGuard retweeted
🎃 Halloween deals on AdGuard products
We’ve already told you about who lives in your home: a vacuum with a camera, a fridge with ads, cookies you invited in yourself. Now it's seven nights to show them the door
The promo runs through November 1
links 👇
We’ve already told you about who lives in your home: a vacuum with a camera, a fridge with ads, cookies you invited in yourself. Now it's seven nights to show them the door
The promo runs through November 1
links 👇
1
2
18
4,484
🥷 AdGuard VPN Browser Extension v2.12: Managing custom profiles just got easier
Custom profiles were introduced in v2.10 to help you tailor VPN setups for work, streaming, or casual browsing. However, having options scattered across different tabs caused some confusion.
With ension v2.12, we gave profiles a well-deserved UX upgrade:
• Reorganized settings: Profile-specific options (Exclusions, DNS, Block WebRTC) are now clearly separated from global preferences (Theme, Language) inside a single, clean menu.
• Unified Quick connect: Pick the fastest server, your last-used location, or a specific country — all from one screen.
• Easier switching and management: Your active profile is now visible right under the connect button. Plus, a handy shortcut in the sidebar lets you switch setups or open Manage profiles from any screen.
👉 Read the full breakdown on our blog: adguard-vpn.com/en/blog/adguar…
Custom profiles were introduced in v2.10 to help you tailor VPN setups for work, streaming, or casual browsing. However, having options scattered across different tabs caused some confusion.
With ension v2.12, we gave profiles a well-deserved UX upgrade:
• Reorganized settings: Profile-specific options (Exclusions, DNS, Block WebRTC) are now clearly separated from global preferences (Theme, Language) inside a single, clean menu.
• Unified Quick connect: Pick the fastest server, your last-used location, or a specific country — all from one screen.
• Easier switching and management: Your active profile is now visible right under the connect button. Plus, a handy shortcut in the sidebar lets you switch setups or open Manage profiles from any screen.
👉 Read the full breakdown on our blog: adguard-vpn.com/en/blog/adguar…
0
0
8
1,103
A protective salt circle against digital monsters 🎃🧂
The Winchester brothers from Supernatural taught us well: if you see something evil, reach for the salt. A line of rock salt at the threshold or a solid circle around the bed creates an impenetrable barrier against ghosts nsters — trackers, phishing traps, and obnoxious ads — are always lurking nearby, ready to sneak into your computer, phone, or smart TV the second they get a chance. So, how do you keep them out?
Draw a digital salt circle around all your devices with AdGuard DNS. It blocks requests to malicious and ad-serving domains right at the network perimeter. Instead of finding an open door, digital ghouls will run straight into a brick wall.
How to lay down the “salt” in 1 minute:
• Android: Settings ➔ Network & internet ➔ Private DNS ➔ enter dns.adguard-dns.com
• iOS: visit adguard-dns.io and install the ready-made configuration profile in a couple of taps.
• Windows / macOS: enter DNS 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 in your network properties (or simply download the pre-configured profile for Mac from adguard-dns.io).
• Router (covers every device in your home): enter DNS 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 in your router’s settings.
P.S. If you want to see stats on all the “exorcised spirits” and customize your own blocking rules, check out Private AdGuard DNS.
👻 No dark magic — just a clean and safe internet.
The Winchester brothers from Supernatural taught us well: if you see something evil, reach for the salt. A line of rock salt at the threshold or a solid circle around the bed creates an impenetrable barrier against ghosts nsters — trackers, phishing traps, and obnoxious ads — are always lurking nearby, ready to sneak into your computer, phone, or smart TV the second they get a chance. So, how do you keep them out?
Draw a digital salt circle around all your devices with AdGuard DNS. It blocks requests to malicious and ad-serving domains right at the network perimeter. Instead of finding an open door, digital ghouls will run straight into a brick wall.
How to lay down the “salt” in 1 minute:
• Android: Settings ➔ Network & internet ➔ Private DNS ➔ enter dns.adguard-dns.com
• iOS: visit adguard-dns.io and install the ready-made configuration profile in a couple of taps.
• Windows / macOS: enter DNS 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 in your network properties (or simply download the pre-configured profile for Mac from adguard-dns.io).
• Router (covers every device in your home): enter DNS 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 in your router’s settings.
P.S. If you want to see stats on all the “exorcised spirits” and customize your own blocking rules, check out Private AdGuard DNS.
👻 No dark magic — just a clean and safe internet.
1
0
24
1,507
🛡️ AdGuard for Windows v7.22.10: security update
Last week, in response to the eMudhra CA incident, we rolled out a security patch on the AdGuard for Windows release channel (v8.0.3). Now, we’re bringing that same fix to v7.22.10. Updating a legacy branch is an unusual step for ease is out, but we never leave our users behind and want to ensure everyone stays protected.
How to update:
Please note that if you’re currently on v7.22.9, this update will not arrive automatically. To get the fix, please download the installer manually and run it:
👉 Download the installer: agrd.io/adguardforwind…
What’s changed?
We’ve blocklisted the compromised certificates. HTTPS filtering will not run on domains using these certificates — connections will instead be validated directly by your browser.
Safe browsers:
• Chrome, Edge, Opera, Brave, and Vivaldi have already revoked these certificates via Google CRLSet
• Firefox — via Mozilla OneCRL
Last week, in response to the eMudhra CA incident, we rolled out a security patch on the AdGuard for Windows release channel (v8.0.3). Now, we’re bringing that same fix to v7.22.10. Updating a legacy branch is an unusual step for ease is out, but we never leave our users behind and want to ensure everyone stays protected.
How to update:
Please note that if you’re currently on v7.22.9, this update will not arrive automatically. To get the fix, please download the installer manually and run it:
👉 Download the installer: agrd.io/adguardforwind…
What’s changed?
We’ve blocklisted the compromised certificates. HTTPS filtering will not run on domains using these certificates — connections will instead be validated directly by your browser.
Safe browsers:
• Chrome, Edge, Opera, Brave, and Vivaldi have already revoked these certificates via Google CRLSet
• Firefox — via Mozilla OneCRL
0
0
37
1,858
👻 The AdGuard Halloween sale is in full swing!
Ever since Twilight, vampires aren’t really scaring anyone. Ad networks stalking you across the entire Internet, on the other hand — or an unskippable 30-second video ad right at the best part — can still send chills down the spine of even the bravest souls.
Now is the perfect moment to stock up on protection and keep digital monsters away from your devices:
Ever since Twilight, vampires aren’t really scaring anyone. Ad networks stalking you across the entire Internet, on the other hand — or an unskippable 30-second video ad right at the best part — can still send chills down the spine of even the bravest souls.
Now is the perfect moment to stock up on protection and keep digital monsters away from your devices:
🎃 Halloween deals on AdGuard products
We’ve already told you about who lives in your home: a vacuum with a camera, a fridge with ads, cookies you invited in yourself. Now it's seven nights to show them the door
The promo runs through November 1
links 👇
0
2
10
1,221
🎃 Think you’re safe on the spookiest night of the year just because you’re chilling at home in front of your computer? In true horror-movie fashion, that’s right when things start going wrong.
We put together a short Halloween text quest for you. There’s a storm outside, you’re e web without a care in the world — and suddenly, you come face-to-face with horrors that have nothing to do with ghosts.
See if you can make the right choices and survive the night: adguard.com/en/promo/hallo…
Of course, AdGuard has the right gear to ward off these digital monsters — and a few festive treats (read: sweet discounts on our products) are waiting for you at the finish line 👻
We put together a short Halloween text quest for you. There’s a storm outside, you’re e web without a care in the world — and suddenly, you come face-to-face with horrors that have nothing to do with ghosts.
See if you can make the right choices and survive the night: adguard.com/en/promo/hallo…
Of course, AdGuard has the right gear to ward off these digital monsters — and a few festive treats (read: sweet discounts on our products) are waiting for you at the finish line 👻
0
1
11
1,195
Ad Blocker Developer Summit 2026 is less than two weeks away! 💥
On Nov 3–4, ad blocker developers, browser devs, filter makers, and privacy researchers meet in Copenhagen — and for the first time ever, ABDS runs across two stages.
Here’s a look at the speakers and talks you don’t want to miss 🧵👇
On Nov 3–4, ad blocker developers, browser devs, filter makers, and privacy researchers meet in Copenhagen — and for the first time ever, ABDS runs across two stages.
Here’s a look at the speakers and talks you don’t want to miss 🧵👇
2
0
21
1,608
Two days, two stages, 31 talks, and the people shaping the future of ad blocking and privacy — all in one room.
Joining us in Copenhagen on Nov 3–4? Registration is free! Check the full schedule and grab your spot: adblockerdevsummit.com
Joining us in Copenhagen on Nov 3–4? Registration is free! Check the full schedule and grab your spot: adblockerdevsummit.com
0
0
2
294