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• Meta and Oakley have released their non-limited edition smart glasses
• They're up for preorder ahead of an August 26 release
• They start at $399 / £399 / AU$629

Oakley and Meta have finally debuted their six non-limited edition HSTN smart glasses, and they’re all available for preorder now, ahead of their August 26 release.

We now also have pricing for the smart specs, which is important. The cheapest pairs – black frame with clear lenses, or a warm gray frame with PRIZM ruby lenses – are $399 / £399 / AU$629, followed by $449 / £449 / AU$699 pairs – the black frames with PRIZM black polarized lenses, or brown smoke frames with PRIZM deep Water polarized lenses.

In the UK, the black with black polarized lenses are currently listed as £499, which we’re assuming is an error, simply because they’re the same price as the brown smoke specs in other regions. We’ve contacted Meta for clarification on this.

Otherwise, the most expensive two pairs – excluding the existing limited edition Oakleys – are priced at $479 / £479 / AU$719. This gets you either a black frame with clear to amethyst transition lenses or a clear frame with clear to gray transition lenses.

(Image credit: Oakley / Meta)

We’ll be testing a pair of these Oakleys soon, but there are three big reasons to buy these glasses. Firstly, their sporty design.

The frame shape is subjective, but Oakley’s PRIZM lenses can be super handy for certain sports. For instance, the ruby lenses are reportedly handy for sports like hiking and golf because of the contrast they create.

Then there’s the on-device hardware. The first-person camera isn’t the best, but I’ve found these sorts of specs are ideal for concerts and when you’re on holiday, as you can capture memories without taking yourself out of the moment by living it through a phone screen. The open-ear speakers are also handy for soundtracking your activities while keeping you present.

Finally, you have the advantages of Meta AI. The on-glasses version of the assistant has been a super handy tour guide and teacher for me. I’ve used it to learn more about destinations I visited in Italy – like structures at Pompeii – and it can quickly translate signs with a good amount of accuracy.

(Image credit: Meta)

However, there’s one big reason I’m not in a rush to grab a pair: my Ray-Ban smart glasses.

These glasses aren’t as sporty, nor do they boast the Oakleys’ upgraded specs, but they’re honestly fine for my needs – and could be great picks for you if you want something a bit cheaper (the Ray-Bans start at $299 / £299 / AU$449).

If you aren’t yet rocking a pair of smart specs, however, then these Oakley glasses look to be well worth your attention, even if they are a little costlier. My advice would be to try a few pairs at an in-person store to see which ones you like best.

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• Hollow Knight: Silksong had a brief appearance at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, with a few seconds of gameplay
• Host Geoff Keighley also reaffirmed that the game is officially launching this year
• A special Silksong livestream will air this week

Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 has officially kicked off, and the first announcement of the night assured us that Hollow Knight: Silksong is definitely real.

It's been a long time since Team Cherry announced the Hollow Knight sequel, and it has made appearances at several live presentations throughout the past few years, with no news of a release date each time.

Unfortunately, Opening Night Live 2025 didn't share the long-awaited release date, but host Geoff Keighley did reaffirmed the fact that the game is officially launching this year.

We also received a very brief glimpse of new gameplay, though sadly, it wasn't quite a full new trailer.

However, Team Cherry has confirmed that a "special announcement" will be shared during a broadcast on August 21, 2025, which will offer a brand new look at Silksong and (hopefully) a proper release date.

There was also confirmation that the game will be playable on the Gamescom show floor.

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The home-improvement chain is now one of the companies most caught up in Trump's immigration crackdown. The retailer's history with day laborers is long. So far, it's choosing to keep its distance.

(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon)

Big news from Gamescom 2025: The one-armed wolf is coming to TV.

• The new Decky Lossless Scaling plugin improves performance in Elden Ring at 18W
• Frame rates went from 40fps to 75fps in tests on the Lenovo Legion Go S, as shown by YouTuber ETA Prime
• We've not seen how this works on AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds yet

The SteamOS modding community continues to make sure Valve's platform offers the best handheld games console experience around, thanks to new plugins like Decky Loader for enhancing performance – and that's right, we're focusing on Lossless Scaling again.

As showcased by YouTuber ETA Prime (via Notebookcheck),the new Decky Lossless Scaling plugin, which is available on GitHub, increases Elden Ring's frame rate from 40fps to 75fps at a TDP (or power consumption) of 18W on the Lenovo Legion Go S. This is the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model, featuring 32GB of RAM and officially powered by SteamOS, rather than Windows.

The performance boosts sound like they may be too good to be true, but it's all possible thanks to Lossless Scaling's frame generation capabilities. It's also worth noting how impressive this is at 18W in games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 (both moving close to triple-digit frame rates). It goes a long way towards significantly improving battery life from using less power, all without a major compromise on performance.

Most frame generation models come with the caveats of ghosting and input lag, with Nvidia and AMD taking measures to diminish those issues.

Fortunately, when base frame rates in games are high enough, ghosting, artifacts, and input lag become less apparent. And this is what the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor (also likely with the help of 32GB of RAM) can help gamers achieve. Microsoft's Windows 11 also isn't being used here, which has weaker performance for games compared to SteamOS.

I've tested this Decky Lossless Scaling plugin on my Asus ROG Ally, and it's easily given my handheld a new lease of life. Games like the Resident Evil 4 remake, which are slightly difficult to run above 40 or 50fps, can now reach above 100fps. Yes, input lag is present, but I can say it isn't significant or noticeable, since the base frame rates aren't too low.

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how this fares on the Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds

Lossless Scaling 2x enabled in RE4 remake on the Asus ROG Ally... (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

I've already stated how handheld gaming PCs are becoming far too expensive when considering the performance boosts over previous generation processors. Spoiler alert, the upgrades are not very significant, as shown in the MSI Claw A8's benchmarks. However, I'm intrigued to see how Decky Lossless Scaling works with a Z2 Extreme-powered handheld.

While the new plugin is great for all handhelds, including the Steam Deck, certain games that are poorly optimized, like Dragon's Dogma 2 or Monster Hunter Wilds, need an extra push from more powerful processors. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme doesn't have a huge leap over its predecessor, but it's likely going to have a huge impact when using a tool like Lossless Scaling.

Unfortunately, the MSI Claw A8 is nowhere to be found in most regions right now and is seemingly only available in Germany and other European retailers. I've got my eye on the Lenovo Legion Go S, using the Z1 Extreme, but stock and pricing are the two main issues.

Until those problems are addressed, Decky Lossless Scaling on my Asus ROG Ally running Bazzite is perfectly fine for me.

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• Google Messages now has a delete for everyone option
• The feature is rolling out now to Android phone users
• It'll only work for your RCS messages

Ever sent a text you regret instantly and wish it could be erased? Well, Google Messages is finally giving users the ability to delete messages from everyone’s devices – including the phones that received it.

This feature has been in the hands of Google Messages beta testers since May – and it actually was first spotted in the app’s code back in February (via Android Authority) – but now it’s coming to the global full release of the app.

What that means for Google Messages users is when you want to delete a message you’ve sent – and you’re chatting with someone using the app over RCS – you’ll see two options: Delete for me or Delete for everyone.

To find this menu, press and hold on a message, then select the trash can icon at the top of your screen. You’ll also see the option to copy or star the message if you’d rather highlight your error.

(Image credit: Future)

The app does note that messages might still be seen by people running older versions of the app, and texts sent to someone not over RCS won’t be deletable.

I’ve quickly given the feature a test on my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, texting and deleting messages to my fiancée, and it works like a charm.

Just like with other services, both of our timelines show a “Message deleted” bubble where my text used to be.

Though someone may still see the text if they react faster than you can delete it – you’ll see my messages were replied to before I could erase them – so while deleting a message can be handy, it doesn’t beat never making a mistake in the first place.

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• 4K 120Hz cloud gaming on LG TVs from September 2025
• GeForce Now also upgraded on LG monitors, on PCs and on Steam Deck
• Requires a GeForce NOW Ultimate subscription

Nvidia has announced a massive gaming upgrade for LG TVs: they'll be able to deliver cloud-based 4K 120Hz gaming via GeForce NOW – provided you have a subscription to GeForce NOW Ultimate and a compatible TV.

That's not all. The same upgrade that's powering those TVs is also bringing cloud gaming at up to 5K 120Hz on LG monitors, and up to 360fps at 1080p on PCs.

The high-performance streaming is thanks to the powerful combination of Nvidia's Blackwell architecture and its GeForce RTX 5080-class GPUs in the company's streaming servers: they do the heavy lifting and stream the data directly to and from your TV, monitor or PC.

GeForce Now is getting a performance upgrade across multiple platforms (Image credit: NVIDIA)GeForce Now offers upgrades for everyone

As FlatpanelsHD reports, GeForce Now will also up the frame rates on Steam Deck from 60fps to 90fps, will deliver "high-performance gaming" on Macs by offering access to the new-gen GPUs, and will stream at up to 360fps on PCs at 1080p.

The Blackwell architecture and RTX 5080-class GPUs are enormously powerful: Nvidia says that they outperform the PlayStation 5 Pro by over three times, delivering a whopping 62 teraflops.

The updated service also promises better color accuracy, smoother streaming thanks to the use of the AV1 codec at up to 100Mbps, and AI-powered video filters "for select games" to reduce on-screen blur and noise.

According to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, "Bringing the Nvidia Blackwell architecture, one of the world’s most important computer graphics innovations, to GeForce Now represents the biggest leap in cloud gaming ever. With Blackwell, GeForce Now offers even more stunning graphics, the fastest frame rates and negligible latency to turn any device into a high-quality gaming rig that rivals nearly every other product on the market today."

The GeForce NOW upgrade with the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture will start rolling out to subscribers in September. You can see LG's list of GeForce NOW-compatible TVs here – it's not yet clear if they'll all support 4K 120Hz from GeForce NOW even if they can support it over HDMI.

But we'd say it's pretty safe to assume that if you have a newer and more premium LG TV – especially an OLED – it should be safe to assume that you're supported. We already rate LG OLEDs among the best gaming TVs, so this just solidifies it (at least, until others catch up).

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• The Times reports that a lack of storage has led to discounts
• UK customers can lease a Tesla for 40% less than last year
• In the US, Tesla is offering enticing bundles to help boost sales

Tesla has slashed the monthly leasing cost of its vehicles in the UK in a bid to boost sales and clear excess inventory, The Times has reported, with discounts of up to 40% offered to car leasing firms to help shift stock – while the EV giant is also offering new deals in the US to boost sales.

The hefty UK discounts apply to both the recently refreshed Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, with The Times claiming the former can be leased for £252 a month plus tax, or around $410 / AU$630. Rewind a year and the exact same lease could cost between £600 and £700 per month.

Although the £60,000 Model Y hasn’t had its retail price reduced, it has been advertised for around £400 (around $540 / AU$830) per month on some of Tesla’s trusted leasing partner sites.

In the US, the company has attempted to shake up its pricing strategy and position its aging Model S and Model X vehicles as more premium propositions by making a new $10,000 ‘Luxe Package’ standard across the range.

This sees the Model S now starting at $94,990 and the Model X costing an eye-watering $99,990, but the package bundles in high levels of autonomous driving via Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Premium Connectivity and a four-year ‘Premium Service’ that covers routine maintenance costs.

It also sees the return of free Supercharging, which has been dangled as an incentive numerous times over the past few years but no longer lasts the lifetime of the vehicle.

Tesla is losing control of the EV market

(Image credit: BYD/Denza)

According to the most recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tesla’s sales in the UK dropped by 60% in the UK in July, pushing its overall market share to just 0.7%.

BYD, on the other hand, accounted for 2.3% of all new registrations during the same period, with the Chinese company piling on the pressure in numerous other European markets.

Tesla makes it difficult to work out exactly how well Model S and Model X are doing in the US, with its quarterly delivery reports accounting for Model 3 and Model Y sales, with everything else bundled into an ‘other models’ category that includes the Cybertruck and its Semi.

But it appears overall sales are struggling, with Electrek estimating that the company was down by around 15% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2024.

With BYD increasing its foothold in Europe, and an increasing number of Chinese rivals seemingly springing up monthly, Tesla is facing the toughest competition yet.

It’s not a great time to be a Tesla shareholder, but the big discounts are good news for anyone considering leasing a Tesla.

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• Draft messages are much easier to find in iOS 26
• Leaked code also suggests iOS 26 will bring a huge security boost
• Apple is apparently testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages

How many times have you started to write a text in iOS’s Messages app and then left it for later, only to forget who you were messaging and what you were saying a few hours down the line?

It’s a common occurrence, but iOS 26 includes a new feature that will make it much easier to find those unfinished texts – and it’s almost shocking Apple hasn’t implemented it sooner.

If you’re running the iOS 26 public beta, you’ll now be able to filter your texts by draft status. All you need to do is open the messages app, tap the hamburger menu in the top-right corner, then select Drafts under the Filter By header. Your Messages inbox will now show only draft texts and nothing else, saving you a bunch of time tapping into all your existing threads in a vain attempt to find the elusive draft.

There are filters for other situations, too. If you’ve scheduled messages for another time, you’ll see a Send Later filter, for example, while there’s an Unread filter for any message you haven’t gotten around to reading yet.

Note that these filters only show up if there is a relevant message to filter. If you don’t have any drafts, for example, you won’t see the Drafts filter. And these filters work regardless of whether you’re using Apple’s iPhone-to-iPhone iMessage standard or RCS/SMS messages sent to Android devices. Blue bubbles or green bubbles, it works.

Stronger security

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Speaking of RCS messages, iOS 26 might include a significant security boost when it comes to sending texts between an iPhone and an Android device, and it could address a flaw that’s gone unaddressed for too long.

According to Apple code reportedly discovered by Android Authority, iOS 26 will implement end-to-end encryption when sending messages using the RCS protocol between iOS and Android. Although you can currently send RCS messages between these two platforms (something that Apple finally brought about in iOS 18), the standard is not end-to-end encrypted. While iMessage has featured this security technology for years, the GSM Association (GSMA) – which implements and updates RCS – has taken a while to add this toughened-up encryption.

That changed in March of 2025, when the GSMA said end-to-end encryption would be added to RCS. And although Apple has previously outlined that end-to-end encryption would be coming to RCS on the iPhone in “future software updates,” it didn’t set a date for the change.

Yet Android Authority says it’s seen code that includes the string “GisRCSEncryptionEnabled,” which suggests that RCS encryption is undergoing internal testing at Apple. Further code snippets also include the string “mls-rcs-server,” which could imply Apple is assessing the MLS encryption that Google has added to Google Messages.

Despite the promising signs, there’s no guarantee that iOS 26 will implement RCS encryption. Apple took a long time to implement RCS in the first place – partly due to its weaker security compared to iMessage – and it might simply be testing its updated functionality. But the fact that these strings are present in iOS 26 code gives us hope that RCS encryption could be on the way, making cross-platform texting safer for iOS and Android users alike.

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Forecasts nudge Erin's likely path to the west, increasing the risks at U.S. beaches. Experts say the storm's massive size, rather than its windspeeds, is what makes it a threat.

(Image credit: NOAA)

• TerraMaster launches new 2-bay NAS with an Intel x86 N5095 processor replacing older ARM models
• New F2-425 supports up to 60TB storage with strong security and RAID options
• Device includes AI photo management, 50 user accounts, and multimedia streaming

TerraMaster has launched the F2-425, a new 2-bay NAS device designed to replace the company’s earlier F2-210 and F2-212 devices.

The system marks a shift away from ARM processors, instead introducing an Intel x86 N5095 quad-core chip that delivers up to 40 percent better performance.

With 4GB of memory and a 2.5GbE port, the F2-425 offers support for 4K video encoding and decoding and is designed for storing and streaming multimedia files, while also handling routine data backups.

Affordably priced

It offers up to 60TB capacity, spread across two drives of up to 30TB each, enough for millions of documents or thousands of hours of video.

Data security features are built in, with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, Single, and TRAID/TRAID+. It offers 256-bit TLS encryption, two-factor authentication, and snapshots, as well as a Security Isolation Mode to protect data against ransomware and other cyber threats.

Although the F2-425 is being marketed at home and small business owners, it should also appeal to professionals storing sensitive work files.

The device runs on TerraMaster’s own TOS 6 operating system, which gains new management features and integrates with both cloud services and local networks.

For offices, the TNAS PC client allows NAS files to appear as local drives, simplifying daily use. Real-time file synchronization with up to 32 historical versions supports efficient backups and recovery.

As well as data storage, the F2-425 can act as a multimedia hub, streaming to smart TVs, phones, and tablets, with support for Plex, Emby, and TerraMaster’s own applications.

The companion mobile app allows for AI photo categorization, automatic backups, and sharing tools with customizable permissions.

The NAS supports up to 50 user accounts, offering both private storage and shared spaces.

The TerraMaster F2-425 is available now via the company’s website and authorized resellers priced at $249.99. Buyers get a 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support.

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• Volkswagen offers an "optional power upgrade for a fee" on two cars
• The performance upgrade increases power by 27bhp
• Subscription packages have previously attracted criticism from buyers

Volkswagen will make customers pay an additional fee to unlock the full power of the ID 3 Pro and ID3 Pro S models it has been revealed, with £16.50 (around £22 / AU$34) per month required to gain access to the vehicle’s full 228bhp.

Auto Express uncovered that both models were listed as producing 150kW or 201 horsepower on the company’s UK configurator, with the small print revealing that owners could only access the full 228hp (170kW) factory capability via an "optional power upgrade for a fee.”

Buyers can choose to pay monthly, in which case the vehicle would return to its lower power setting when sold, or part with £649 (around $880 / AU$1,350) for a one-time lifetime fee that stays with the vehicle.

In a statement provided to Auto Express, a Volkswagen spokesperson said that offering more power to customers is “nothing new” and that those looking to purchase an ID 3 can choose to have a "sportier driving experience" without having to commit to a more expensive vehicle from the outset.

Volkswagen is also not the first or only manufacturer to offer additional performance that can be unlocked for a fee, as the Polestar Engineered Optimization program can improve the power delivery of both Polestar and Volvo models.

Essentially, the software upgrade 're-maps' the engine, tweaks throttle response and improves the speed of automatic gear changes for a more aggressive drive, but does so without the risk of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.

Gearing up for a subscriptions-based future

(Image credit: Volkswagen)

Unlocking a little extra performance is nothing new, as there are hundreds of aftermarket companies that will tease a few more horses out of an engine if you are willing to void your manufacturer warranty.

That said, we are entering a new era of the Software Defined Vehicle where a number of upgrades and improvements are now available over a simple over-the-air update.

Tesla allows its customers to take advantage of its highly autonomous driving modes for a fee, for example, while Polestar offers performance upgrades on Polestar 2 models.

Many industry experts I have spoken to openly admit that offering both digital and physical features via a subscription presents a lucrative business case to manufacturers that are looking to claw back losses from tepid EV sales and ensure future profitability.

But the approach hasn’t gone down well with sectors of the paying public, as BMW drew heavy criticism when it asked its customers to pay an additional fee for features like heated seats.

The company said it would allow owners to only take advantage of the technology when required (for example, in the depths of winter) but customers demanded access to a feature that they felt should have been part of the list price.

While unlocking a little extra performance on-demand sounds like fun, some buyers will be wary of automakers charging a recurring fee for features that would have previously come as standard (or a one-off optional payment) on a new vehicle.

It could also be the case that paying a small fee each month to unlock a feature becomes more expensive than it was when customers could option it outright, with Netflix-style incremental price increases making motoring more expensive than it needs to be.

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It's Children’s week on The Great British Sewing Bee, and fashion designer Victoria Jenkins is joining Patrick Grant and Esme Young in the workroom to put the seven remaining contestants through their paces. Some exacting miniature models are set to run riot too.

You can watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 online from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for free.

Date and time: Premiered at 9pm BST on Tuesday, July 15 (UK)

Watch free: BBC iPlayer (UK)

Use NordVPN to unblock BBC iPlayer (try risk-free)

A reality TV show with heart and purpose, GBSB lays bare just how wondrously talented, resourceful and creative humans can be, while gently pushing back against fast fashion and all of its ills. If GBSB doesn't capture your imagination and make you think – really think – about the real-world impacts of your sartorial choices, nothing will.

So judges Patrick and Esme, champions of high-quality clothing that lasts, may have one or two things to say about Kit's pet passion. The Mancunian digital marketer espouses "pointless fashion", encompassing garments that are "utterly useless" but "so camp" and "fabulous". Things like string hoodies and deconstructed coats barely held together by chains. That should spark some interesting conversations.

R&D scientist Yasmin always joked that she'd apply for The Great British Sewing Bee as a dad/daughter duo, however her father, an engineer and self-taught tailor, passed away two years ago. As was the case with head of communications Jess, she was raised to make things well and fix them, instead of taking the cheap and nasty route.

Starting with 12 contestants, one-by-one GBSB whittles them down to three finalists, via a triple-threat of weekly challenges: pattern, transformation, and made to measure. While one title hopeful is awarded the Garment Of The Week award, another is eliminated.

Read on as we explain how to watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 online from anywhere.

How to watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 for free in the UK

(Image credit: Future)

Viewers in the UK can watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 FREE on BBC Three and via the BBC iPlayer streaming service.

All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (e.g.HA9 0WS). Sign up here!

What if you're abroad? Grab this VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch your usual free stream from anywhere.

How to watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 streams with a VPN

If you're keen to watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 but you're away from home and access to the show is geo-blocked, you can always use a VPN to access it instead (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.

Use one of the best VPNs to watch The Great British Sewing Bee from anywhere:

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Can I watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 in the US?

Any plans to make The Great British Sewing Bee available to watch in the US are yet to be announced.

Brits currently away from home can use a VPN to watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 on BBC iPlayer from abroad.

Can I watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 in Canada?

(Image credit: Other)

As with the US, The Great British Sewing Bee is yet to find a home in Canada.

However, UK nationals currently traveling in Canada can use a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch the show from anywhere in the world. We recommend NordVPN.

How to watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 in Australia

Binge is home to The Great British Sewing Bee in Australia. However, seeing as season 10 only landed on Thursday, November 21, it's likely to be a while before season 11 arrives. Binge starts from AU$10 a month after a 7-day FREE trial.

Not in Australia? Anyone from Oz who wants to watch their usual streaming service from abroad can do so by using a VPN.

The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 Q+A

(Image credit: BBC)Who is in The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 cast?

Caz, 59, retired, Staffordshire
Dan, 37, stage performer, Durham
Gaynor, 72, retired office manager, Port Talbot
Glendora, 59, bus driver, Luton – eliminated
Jess, 33, head of communications, London – eliminated
Kit, 24, digital marketer, Manchester
Novello, 66, business owner and magistrate, London – eliminated
Orla, 19, cafe worker/student, Inverness
Peter, 45, senior pre-construction manager, Devon – eliminated
Saffie, 32, lecturer, London – eliminated
Stuart, 53, premises manager, Herefordshire
Yasmin, 30, scientist, Gateshead

Can I watch The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 for free?

Yes. BBC One is home to The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 in the UK, with all episodes available to stream for free on the BBC iPlayer platform.

How many episodes of The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 are there?

The Great British Sewing Bee season 11 comprises 10 episodes. They're released weekly on Tuesdays, starting July 15.

How can I watch The Great British Sewing Bee's previous seasons?

All 10 previous seasons, plus special episodes, are available on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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• Germany's top court has revived a legal case that could lead to a ban on ad blockers over copyright violations
• The case originates from a lawsuit brought by a major German publisher against the firm behind Adblock Plus
• If this comes to pass, Germany will be the second country in the world, after China, to ban ad blockers

The German Federal Supreme Court (BGH) has put into question the very legitimacy of ad blockers. The court is now investigating whether these programs – which, by default, block certain elements of a website – can be qualified as copyright infringement.

The case originates from a lawsuit brought by Axel Springer, a major German publisher, against Eyeo GmbH. Eyeo is the company behind Adblock Plus, which is one of the best ad blockers according to TechRadar's reviewers.

If ad blockers get banned in Germany, the consequences could be far wider than they seem at first glance. It's not just ad blockers that could be in danger, warns Mozilla, as "such a precedent could embolden legal challenges against other extensions that protect privacy, enhance accessibility, or improve security."

The legal battle between publishers and ad blockers is heating up

(Image credit: Adblock Plus)

Axel Springer SE, which is one of the biggest media publishers in Europe, has been locked in a decade-long legal battle against Eyeo GmbH, meaning Adblock Plus. The publisher argues that ad blockers interfere with its right to control how its copyrighted content is rendered and displayed, potentially violating German copyright law – CyberInsider reported.

For a long time, Adblock Plus has seemingly emerged victorious from these legal battles, but that might not be the case this time around. Germany's Federal Court of Justice has overturned parts of a 2023 decision by a Hamburg appeals court, stating that further fact-checking was needed.

The question comes down to whether ad blockers truly break copyright laws. The BGH is exploring the interaction between ad blockers and various structures of a website, including the browser's Document Object Model (DOM) and CSS Object Model (CSSOM). The DOM is responsible for all the content to include on a page, and the CSSOM determines what it looks like.

The key legal question here is: Does modifying how a website displays through browser-side tools like ad blockers count as breaking the law? If the German courts rule that yes, it is copyright infringement, Germany could be the second country in the world to ban ad blockers, second only to China.

Why this matters for ad blockers — and beyond

Ad blockers are one thing. Many of us use them, and they help us get rid of pesky ads on a daily basis. However, if the German courts decide that any kind of browser-side alterations is copyright infringement, many similar browser extensions or tools may end up being banned too.

For instance, some of the best VPN software also comes with ad-blocking capabilities. There are also extensions or browser features that improve accessibility or offer additional privacy and security protection, like against phishing. All of those tools could potentially be banned right alongside ad blockers.

Given the potential danger, it's no wonder that Mozilla, the developer behind Firefox, took a strong stance on the matter.

In a blog post published earlier this month, Mozilla's Senior IP & Product Counsel, Daniel Nazier, notes that user freedom, privacy, and security are at risk if this court ruling comes to pass and Germany indeed bans ad blockers.

"We sincerely hope that Germany does not become the second jurisdiction (after China) to ban ad blockers. This will significantly limit users’ ability to control their online environment and potentially open the door to similar restrictions elsewhere," wrote Nazier.

The case will now be reviewed by the court in Hamburg, which might take a year or two. Until then, the future of ad blockers in Germany will remain uncertain, as will data privacy in the country and throughout Europe. If other countries decide to take a page out of Germany's playbook, we could have a bigger legal battle on our hands.

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