The ongoing task of ensuring integrity, security and trust when making a Google search has never been more important than it is now. With many people stuck at home relying on Google to provide them with the most accurate, up to date information on what’s going on around the world, it’s not surprising this tech giant has come up against some issues.
With the ongoing crisis of COVID-19 affecting everyone around the world, we are noticing people left and right working to take advantage of the various opportunities this situation brings. While many legitimate business owners and entrepreneurs are utilising Google Advertising to promote their quality products and services at competitive market prices, some individuals are trying to exploit desperate customers and take advantage of the less fortunate members of our community.
The Vice President of Product Management, Ads Privacy & Safety, Scott Spencer, has noted that “in the beginning of the pandemic Google started to notice certain individuals trying to leverage Google’s Advertising platform to mislead the public”. Google has since formed a dedicated task force who have blocked tens of millions of coronavirus-related ads over these past few months and are continuing to work on preventing advertisers from misleading genuine customers, price gauging on much needed consumer staples and capitalising on medical supply shortages.