While online platforms are the prime source for quick information, they’re also the sources for misinformation. Many have used platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc. to spread conspiracy theories, fake campaigns, misinformation, etc. And today, Google has announced a significant move it will be taking to turn its ads platform more transparent. Under this, Google will now expand the identity verification program to all advertisers to let users know more about the advertiser.
Being More Transparent
Google’s advertising platform was previously exploited by few advertisers, by verifying an ad as an innocent one to display, but showing up others to the users. Google has thus made it mandatory for political advertisers to verify themselves for any ad campaign they do. While that did authenticate few, many non-political advertisers are still faking the ad system and serving inappropriate ads to users. And to curb that, Google’s now expanding this identity verification program to all advertisers on the platform.
Under this new move, all advertisers have to verify themselves as who they’re rare. This is by submitting personal identification proofs, business incorporation documents, or other information, the country in which they operate, etc. These disclosures will be shown to users when they hover on the ad. This is to help them in making an informed decision by knowing more about the advertiser.
Previously, Google has done similar practices like adding Ad Settings tools and Why this ad? Options to let the user know why particular ads are being shown, and to control his preferences. Though these helped a bit, adversaries have always tried to find a way around. Google said the new verification expansion would start showing results from this summer. This program will be trailed in the US initially and expanded to all nations gradually.
Google says, “This will help support the health of the digital advertising ecosystem by detecting bad actors and limiting their attempts to misrepresent themselves.” Read more about the program.
Via: Google
