Yes, ad blockers are legal in Vermont, but their use is constrained by state-level privacy laws and federal regulations. Vermont’s 2026 amendments to the Consumer Protection Act (9 V.S.A. § 2451) impose restrictions on deceptive data collection practices, which could implicate ad blockers that circumvent publisher terms. The Vermont Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has not explicitly banned ad blockers but monitors compliance with the Vermont Data Broker Regulation (Act 171), which may indirectly limit their deployment in commercial contexts.
Key Regulations for Ad Blockers in Vermont
- Consumer Protection Act (9 V.S.A. § 2451): Ad blockers that misrepresent their purpose or interfere with lawful publisher agreements may violate Vermont’s prohibition on unfair trade practices. The AGO’s 2026 guidance clarifies that circumvention tools must not deceive users about data collection practices.
- Vermont Data Broker Regulation (Act 171): Ad blockers that collect or transmit user data without explicit consent may trigger registration requirements with the AGO. Entities operating such tools must comply with Vermont’s opt-out provisions for data brokers.
- Federal TCPA & CAN-SPAM: While not Vermont-specific, ad blockers that filter unsolicited communications must align with federal laws. Vermont courts have referenced these statutes in prior cases involving digital tracking tools.
Vermont’s regulatory landscape remains fluid, with the AGO prioritizing enforcement against tools that undermine transparency in digital advertising. Businesses deploying ad blockers in Vermont should conduct a 2026 compliance audit to mitigate legal exposure.