From Code to Coastline: Ghostery Makes a Splash at AFDS 2025

This October, Ghostery is making waves - not just online, but in person. We’re proud to announce our role as a co-organizer of the Ad-Filtering Dev Summit 2025 (AFDS), taking place October 23–24 in Limassol, Cyprus.

Together with AdGuard and eyeo, we’re helping bring the global ad-blocking and privacy tech community together under one roof, and by the sea, for two days of collaboration, learning, and innovation.

A Summit That Brings the Community Together

AFDS is the only event dedicated entirely to ad filtering, tracker blocking, and privacy-first web technologies. Since 2018, it has grown into a cornerstone gathering for developers, researchers, browser engineers, and advocates across the ecosystem.

This year’s edition lands in Limassol, offering a relaxed, coastal setting in AdGuard’s home territory, a fitting place for in-depth technical exchange and spontaneous collaboration. Whether you’re new to the space or a seasoned contributor, AFDS is a chance to reconnect with peers, get inspired, and move the conversation forward, face-to-face.

Ghostery’s Role: Co-Organizing and Contributing

As a co-organizer, Ghostery is proud to support this year’s event and contribute to its continued success. We’ll be participating in sessions and discussions on topics like:

• Advancing tracker detection methods
• Maintaining and sharing filter lists
• Navigating challenges in browser extension development
• Improving user experience without compromising privacy and making Ghostery the friendliest adblocker in the world.

We’ll also be there to listen, learn, and collaborate - because strong privacy tools are built not in silos, but through community effort.

What to Expect at AFDS 2025

AFDS holds a reputation for in-depth, tech-focused discussions led by top minds in ad-filtering and privacy. Expect sessions across themes like:

• Integrating AI, ML, and LLM into ad-blockers
• Ad-blocking on emerging platforms: AR/VR, voice, connected devices
• Defending privacy in an AI-driven, cookie-less world
• Browser ecosystem trends and their impact on filtering engines

Building on the highly technical and collaborative 2024 summit in Berlin, AFDS continues to raise the bar on workshop formats and interactive sessions. This is a launchpad for new ideas, tools, filter-list initiatives, and partnerships within the community.

Get Involved

Whether you’re deep in code, refining UI, researching detection methods, or shaping privacy policies, AFDS offers space to contribute, learn, and connect.

Here’s how to join:

• Apply to speak by August 10, 2025 - AFDS welcomes both seasoned voices and fresh perspectives.
• Register to attend for free and meet fellow contributors in Cyprus.

Let’s Meet by the Sea

From code to coastline, we’re excited to meet the people building a better, more private web. Ghostery is proud to support this unique event. We hope to see you there.

adfilteringdevsummit.com
Limassol, Cyprus
October 23–24, 2025

If you have any questions about #AFDS, feel free to get in touch with our team. We're always happy to talk to you!