If you have been unaware of the ads that have been running on Google for a while now, it must be noted that the search giant does allow some controversial type of ads on its platform. These ads include ads that promote stalkerware apps as well as spyware and other tools that are used for surveillance. Now, the problem here is that these tools are not used by consent from others meaning that they are unethical.
There is a change now from Google’s side as the company has announced a ban on these ads finally. The company says that its new ad policy that will go into effect from August 11 will ban the following type of ads:
- Spyware and technology used for intimate partner surveillance including but not limited to spyware/malware that can be used to monitor texts, phone calls, or browsing history;
- GPS trackers specifically marketed to spy or track someone without their consent;
- Promotion of surveillance equipment (cameras, audio recorders, dash cams, nanny cams) marketed with the express purpose of spying.
However, Google adds that such type of ads which are used by parents for keeping track of their underage children have not been banned. As part of the ban, the people who are still found promoting stalkerware ads will be given a 7-day notice to remove those ads. If they don’t oblige to the notice, the advertisers will be banned from promoting on their platform.
Now, Google knows that such type of ads are very much prevalent in the market and that they are helping the company earn great revenue too. But the fact that Google has decided to fight such ads for the greater interest of public means that the change against stalking tools is happening on a large scale and we hope that it continues.
