# Cory Doctorow Calls for Fight Against Online Surveillance Regain your digital bargaining power with ad blockers and customizations. - **Source:** [Daring Fireball](https://brifing.si/source/bbc604d1-4212-4e70-9dbd-e291115f1f22) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/21e1e42f-dcb0-4e7d-8b95-defc84bcc610 ## The Reality of Digital Bargaining Cory Doctorow argues that commercial surveillance companies exploit user data under the guise of 'bargaining.' In a real market, prices are transparent and negotiated, but digital platforms operate unilaterally. Users are forced to trade their privacy for access to services. ## The Concept of 'Dickover' Doctorow's term 'dickover' describes apps that collect and misuse user data without consent. This practice highlights the injustices users face online. Doctorow emphasizes that resisting these practices is a form of bargaining to reclaim user rights. ## Firefox and Linux Recommendation Doctorow recommends switching to transparent and free software like Firefox and Linux. These platforms enhance user control over data, resisting the surveillance economy. However, he acknowledges this transition may not be practical for everyone. ## Ad Blocker Options For Safari users, tools like StopTheMadness Pro, uBlock Origin Lite, and Magic Lasso stand out. These blockers allow users to customize page elements and enhance privacy. Magic Lasso offers a user-friendly interface and VPN features. ## Advantages of Magic Lasso Magic Lasso, priced at $30/year, provides synchronized ad blocking across iOS, macOS, and Apple TV. Its 'turn on and go' approach simplifies ad blocking in all apps, including Apple News. Doctorow clarifies that using such tools is not unethical. ## The Importance of Digital Rights Doctorow's call underscores the critical need to defend digital rights. Ad blockers and customizations empower users to resist unilateral corporate practices, marking a step toward preserving digital freedoms. ## Sources covering this story - https://pluralistic.net/2026/07/21/dickovers/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._