Amazon has rolled out its latest Kindle software update, version 5.18.3, introducing a new ad-filtering setting that prevents “inappropriate” content from appearing on lockscreens and homescreens of ad-subsidized e-readers.
This new feature, which was discovered by users and highlighted by The eBook Reader, offers a solution for those who previously had no control over the types of ads displayed on their devices. The update is available on Kindle Scribes, Kindle Colors, and 11th and 12th generation Kindle and Paperwhite models. It adds two new lockscreen ad options within the “Your Account” settings, allowing users to disable “Personalized Ads” and enable “Filter ads” to hide content that “may not be appropriate for everyone.” This is particularly relevant for readers who consume genres with potentially explicit cover art.
While the ad-supported Kindles come with a $20 saving, opting for the ad-filtering feature does not completely remove ads, as Amazon still defines what constitutes “appropriate” ad content. For users who want to completely remove ads, they must pay the $20 difference on Amazon’s website.
