What to Know:
– Google is tightening its ad policy to ban ads that exploit sensitive world events.
– The new policy will go into effect in February 2022.
– The ban includes ads that engage in price gouging and victim-blaming.
– Google will also introduce a new certification process for advertisers in sensitive categories.
The Full Story:
Google has announced that it is strengthening its ad policy to ban ads that exploit sensitive world events, including those that engage in price gouging and victim-blaming. The new policy will go into effect in February 2022.
The move comes as part of Google’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and respectful advertising environment for users. By banning ads that exploit sensitive world events, Google aims to prevent advertisers from taking advantage of tragic or sensitive situations for their own gain.
Price gouging, which refers to the practice of charging excessively high prices for goods or services during times of crisis or high demand, will be strictly prohibited under the new policy. This includes ads that promote inflated prices for essential items such as food, water, medical supplies, or accommodation during emergencies or natural disasters.
In addition to price gouging, Google will also ban ads that engage in victim-blaming. This means that advertisers will not be allowed to blame victims for their own misfortunes or exploit their vulnerabilities in any way. This includes ads that shame or stigmatize individuals or groups affected by sensitive events, such as victims of accidents, natural disasters, or social issues.
To enforce the new policy, Google will introduce a certification process for advertisers in sensitive categories. This process will require advertisers to demonstrate their compliance with the policy and provide additional information about their business practices. Advertisers who fail to meet the certification requirements may have their ads disapproved or their accounts suspended.
Google’s decision to tighten its ad policy reflects the growing concern over the ethical implications of advertising during sensitive world events. In recent years, there have been numerous instances of advertisers exploiting tragedies or crises for their own benefit, which has sparked public outrage and calls for stricter regulations.
By banning ads that engage in price gouging and victim-blaming, Google is taking a proactive stance to protect users from deceptive or harmful advertising practices. The company recognizes the importance of maintaining a trustworthy and respectful advertising ecosystem, and this policy update is a step towards achieving that goal.
Advertisers should take note of these changes and ensure that their ads comply with Google’s new policy. It is crucial for advertisers to be mindful of the ethical implications of their advertising practices and to prioritize the well-being and safety of their audience.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to ban ads that exploit sensitive world events, including price gouging and victim-blaming, is a positive step towards creating a safer and more respectful advertising environment. The new policy, which will go into effect in February 2022, aims to prevent advertisers from taking advantage of tragic or sensitive situations for their own gain. Advertisers should familiarize themselves with the new policy and ensure that their ads comply with the updated guidelines to avoid potential penalties or account suspensions.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-bans-price-gouging-victim-blaming-ads/505429/