Don't Go Negative On Google
Google's ad rules complex, controversial
Documents reveal details about what popular search engine accepts, rejects
Verne Kopytoff, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, August 9, 2004
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Jerry Vasilatos, who sells playing cards that feature 54 reasons to defeat President George W. Bush, was shocked to see his ads on Google suddenly disappear in May. After e-mailing the search engine several times, he learned why: He violated Google's policy prohibiting ads that advocate against an individual or group.
"It's really ridiculous," Vasilatos said. "I can understand them wanting to remove ads from hate groups or groups that advocate violence, but ads that are critical of the president?"
Google's self proclaimed mission to make the world's information accessible is being questioned by some of its customers. The search engine bars advertisers from pitching a range of opinions and products on its Web site and on those of its partners.
Details of Google's ad policy were disclosed in internal documents obtained by The Chronicle. Subsequent interviews with the company also revealed new information about its procedures.
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