World Cup Streams Freeze
VPN ad-blockers cause World Cup streams to freeze due to server-side ad insertions, affecting viewers worldwide
Key points
- VPNs with built-in ad-blockers can interrupt World Cup live streams, causing screens to freeze or turn black
- Server-side ad insertions deliver ads from the same server as the broadcast, making it difficult for ad-blockers to distinguish between ads and content
- Viewers can resolve the issue by switching off ad-blocking on their VPN, such as Norton VPN's Ad Tracker Blocking toggle
- The problem primarily affects ad-funded streaming services like ITVX, but not ad-free services like iPlayer
- Analysts say the issue highlights the complexities of online advertising and content delivery
The 2026 World Cup has seen a surge in online streaming, but some viewers have experienced frustrating stream freezes. The cause of the issue lies in the combination of VPNs and ad-blockers. Many VPNs come with ad-blockers built-in, which can interrupt live streams like the World Cup. This is because server-side ad insertions deliver ads from the same server as the broadcast, making it difficult for ad-blockers to distinguish between ads and content. As a result, the ad-blocker shuts down the entire viewing experience, rather than just blocking the ads. Viewers can resolve the issue by switching off ad-blocking on their VPN. Norton VPN, for example, allows users to toggle off its Ad Tracker Blocking feature. The problem primarily affects ad-funded streaming services like ITVX, but not ad-free services like iPlayer. The issue highlights the complexities of online advertising and content delivery, and the need for VPNs and streaming services to work together to provide a seamless viewing experience.
Sources
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