Hello everyone on Unikorn,

You must have been frustrated when reading the news, watching movies, or using apps when ads pop up and completely block your screen. Blocking ads on mobile devices can be quite annoying: using extensions only works in web browsers, while blocking in apps/games requires rooting your device (which is very risky and can easily lead to your banking app being locked).

That's why I developed BlockAds – a "homegrown" ad-blocking solution that is extremely effective and safe.

How does BlockAds work?

Very simple! The application creates a virtual private network (VPN) that runs in the background on your phone. It acts as a "gatekeeper," automatically identifying and blocking connections that download ads, malware, or tracking software before they can be displayed on the screen.

Highlights:

• No Root Needed: The original device can still be used. You can use banking apps and e-wallets without worry about security warnings.

• System-Wide Blocking: Cleans up ads on both web browsers and within offline apps and games.

• Savings on Battery & 4G: Since ads are blocked at the source, your phone doesn't waste data on loading them.

• 100% Open Source (FOSS): Since this app filters your network connections, transparency is a top priority. I have made all the source code public on GitHub. The app is completely offline, and it doesn't collect or send your personal data anywhere.

BlockAds is a personal non-profit project (and will not be available on the Google Play app store) aimed at providing a "cleaner" smartphone experience.

Please download and try it out, and give me your feedback to help me improve!