Japanese carrier to stop sending push notification ads

Japanese mobile network KDDI says it'll stop using push notification ads on its Android handsets, following some recent online controversy. Late last month it emerged that KDDI was using an updated version of its "AU One Market" application to send ads via push notification to some of its customers. We're not the biggest fans of push notification ads, and we're even less impressed when ads are delivered by a carrier-mandated app with no clear way of opting out.

It seems many KDDI customers felt the same way, and after a wave of negative press over the past week, the carrier today announced that it'll cease pushing ad messages out to its handsets. KDDI reportedly said it was using the ads to deliver messages about its own services, rather than selling ad space to outside organizations. We're not sure that makes it any better, but at least KDDI customers will be free from the scourge of push notification ads from now on.

Source: Keitai Watch, Engadget; via: The Verge

Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?

Android Central

Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.

  • Subscribe in Pocket Casts: Audio
  • Subscribe in Spotify: Audio
  • Subscribe in iTunes: Audio
Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.