Sample Junkbuster Blockfile

As of Dec-2002, I've switched from Junkbuster to Privoxy, so am no longer maintaining my Junkbuster blockfile. I recommend Junkbuster users migrate to Privoxy and then take a look at my Privoxy actions file.

The Internet Junkbuster Proxy(tm) is a filtering HTTP proxy distributed by Junkbusters Corp. One of its main features is the ability to "selectively not download" (i.e., block) Web objects whose URLs match certain rule patterns. The file containing these rules is usually called a blockfile or blocklist.

One popular use of the Junkbuster blockfile is to prevent downloading of some banner ad images that detract from the readability of Web pages and greatly slow down Web browsing.

Another, perhaps more important, use of the blockfile is to defeat many tracking (or "web bug") images. There are dozens of companies, such as DoubleClick and a certain large monopolistic OS vendor, that are actively embedding tracking images in thousands of Web sites that they don't control directly, so that the companies can track which Web pages individuals browse and correlate Web browsers with personal identities. It's impossible to defeat underhanded profiling of individuals on the Internet, but Junkbuster can make life a little more difficult for at least some of the organizations that want to spy on you.

You can download file blockfile.

If you're an Emacs user and wish to maintain your own personal blockfile, you may find junkbust.el helpful.