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No ads against an individual - Google accused of having a political bias for the Democratic Party

On June 9, 2005 Google banned a previously approved online ad campaign for the new book "Their Lives: The Women Targeted by the Clinton Machine", that documents abuses of power by Bill and Hillary Clinton. According to the author, “Google's decision to reverse its prior approval and shut down this banner ad campaign reeks of political bias. The company's liberal leanings are pretty widely known, but this example of blatant editorial censorship is still shocking.” In his press release he also points out that Google still displays ads disparaging current Republican officials with headlines such as "Hate Bush? So Do We," “Bush Belongs Behind Bars,” and "George W. Bush Fart Doll."

A Google spokesman said that the decision was based on Google's policies, that prohibit ads against an individual (Ad text advocating against any organization or person (public, private, or protected) is not permitted. Stating disagreement with or campaigning against a candidate for public office, a political party or public administration is generally permissible. This standard applies to everyone who wants to advertise on Google, whether we agree with their viewpoint or not.), not on their political views. He also indicated that only some of the submitted ads were denied and that the approved ads are still running.

  • June 13, 2005: Richardson, Chris: Author Blames Google For Ad Censorship, Web Pro News: 
    "Once again failing to understand the Google AdWords TOS agreement, another person is attempting to make a misguided connection between an AdWords campaign denial by Google and a liberal political bias."
     

 

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