Following last week’s news about the Guardian, Channel 4 and the UK government pulling ads from Google after they were displayed next to extremist material, more companies have announced they were either doing the same or considering it.
Among major advertising agencies, Havas has pulled its ads from Google and YouTube, while Publicis and WPP are reviewing the situation, according to the Guardian. Also numerous brands and banks such as Vodafone, Sky, HSBC, Llouds, McDonald’s and L’Oréal have either removed their ads from the platforms, or are considering doing so. M&S joined these companies today, saying it was “pausing activity” on Google’s platforms for now, the Financial Times reported.
Late last week Google acknowledged that “a very small percentage” of ads is displayed next to offending content on its platforms. The company said it was reviewing its ads policies and brand controls, and would be giving advertisers more control over where their ads appear in the coming weeks.