[cptskippy]

> I find it interesting that ads are considered acceptable and commonplace in Android and to a slightly lesser extent iOS apps; but on desktop they are seen as almost malware.

Totally different beast. The Android and iOS variety are embedded in the App. On Windows they are almost always a third party application installed separately with it's own uninstaller and granted near admin rights to the machine.

It's the difference between inviting your friend over to your home and him showing up wearing a Nike shirt, or showing up with a dude you've never met who is spinning a sign. He can roam about your house without your knowledge and doesn't leave when your friend does.