Google Ads Is Still Inking Users to Misleading Abortion Info

Google Ads is still inking users to misleading abortion info in searches. The tech transparency project states that the ads are directing people to ‘fake clinics’ which is in violation of Google’s policies.

Google Ads Is Still Inking Users to Misleading Abortion Info

Google Ads Is Still Inking Users to Misleading Abortion Info

It is now reported that Google ads continue to link users to ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ and in the process violating the policies on misrepresentation in advertising by the company as per a report on Thursday by the tech transparency project.

When users are searching for “free abortion pill” and “first trimester abortion,” the TTP sighted ads that would instead link to crisis pregnancy centers. Crisis pregnancy centers as you should know are facilities that provide pregnancy-related care and advice but not abortions and at most times steer women away from going through with the procedure. Many of these centers are often religiously affiliated, and Planned Parenthood calls them “fake clinics.” The ads however do state, in small text that might be missed, “Does not provide abortions.”

Google’s Policy on Misrepresentation in Ads

The policy of Google on misrepresentation in ads says that advertisements cannot “deceive users” by “providing misleading information about products, services, or businesses.” Google also stops ads that pretend to “provide critical services that result in a delay to the user receiving treatment or medical help.”

“We require any organization that wants to advertise to people seeking information about abortion services to be certified and prominently disclose whether they do or do not offer abortions,” a spokesperson from Google said in a statement. Google also stated it has policies on abortion-related ads, applying them regularly to all advertisers consistently, and that it also removes ads that are misrepresenting products or even services.

What Supreme Court’s Ruling In Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Means to This Development

The sensitivity over online information in regards to pregnancy care comes after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization back in June.

That very decision in question eliminated the precedent that was set 50 years ago by Roe v. Wade, thus taking away a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion and leaving the decision to state legislatures. Ever since then, a host of states have moved to impose greater restrictions on access to abortions.

The State Of Georgia and Its Abortion Rules

For example, in Georgia, abortions are illegal after the heartbeat of a fetus is detected which is usually around the six-week mark. And when it comes to these instances, time is of the essence as many women are not aware that they are pregnant not until a couple of weeks after conception.

Going to a crisis pregnancy center on the other hand could otherwise take the time that might have been spent at a clinic that does not provide abortion care, just before doctors can detect cardiac activity.

What The Tech Transparency Project Thinks about Google’s Internal Systems of Vetting Ads

The TTP has said that it is wary of the internal systems of Google in regards to vetting ads, also noting that its missed scams related to stimulus checks, student loan debt relief, and voter registration.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here