In the latest update to Opera Mini, Opera has introduced native ad blocking to its Android web browser.

The app – which sells itself on a speedier web experience and has around 120m monthly users – now offers built-in blocking, without requiring any browser extensions or separate apps. The setting isnt enabled by default, but can be activated alongside the apps other data-saving features.

Opera claims the blocker causes webpages to load 40 per cent faster, and reduces data usage by up to 14 per cent.

Ad blocking has also launched simultaneously on Operas desktop browser, which has 60m users.

“Opera is the first browser company to offer an native ad blocker across devices,” said Opera CEO Lars Boilesen. “We do this because we want to provide people with the fastest browsers in the market. Our speed test shows that online ads slow down the browsing experience. Now, with Opera, you can browse a lot faster than, for example, in Chrome.”