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."