We don't allow ads that promote online gambling: Google
The search giant was questioned by MIB over online betting ads that were still allegedly running on YouTube and Google despite a government advisory issued on October 3
Hours after the e4m report on the government of India's directive to Google to stop displaying surrogate ads of online betting companies, the tech giant has asserted that it doesn’t allow any such ads on its platforms.
“In line with our Ads Policies, and with the local laws and regulations applicable, we do not allow any advertisements that promote online gambling,” a Google spokesperson told e4m.
The spokesperson further stated, “Across our ads systems, we have strict policies in place to stop violations, and we take quick action if we are informed about violative ads.”
The spokesperson was responding to two pointed questions raised by e4m on the development: 1) Would such ads be removed now? 2) How much time would it take to cleanse its platforms of such ads?
There was no response to the third question though: 3) Will there be any monetary losses because of this step?
Based on media reports, e4m reported on Wednesday that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) sent a letter to the search giant, stating that ads for online betting are still running on YouTube and Google even as other platforms stopped them following a government advisory in this regard issued on October 3.
“We have asked Google to stop this immediately," a media report quoted a senior ministry official as saying.
On October 3, the government urged TV, print and digital media platforms asking them not to publish advertisements of online betting platforms on online and social media.
The online advertisement intermediaries were also advised not to target such advertisements towards the Indian audience.
“The advisory had been issued for the reason that betting and gambling is prohibited in most parts of the country, and pose significant financial and socio-economic risk for the consumers, especially youth and children. Accordingly, the promotion of offline or online betting/gambling through advertisements is not advised in the larger public interest,” it stated.
