According to Google, it will no longer allow ads on its platform that sell products or service that track or monitor people without their authorization.
Google in its ad policy has emphasized that it will not encourage any sort of spying or monitoring devices without the consent or authorization. However, Google also said that this policy will not apply to private investigation services or products or services designed for parents to track or monitor their underage children.
Other than for purposes stated above Google will stop advertising products that will include spyware/malware that can be used to monitor texts, phone calls, or browsing history, GPS trackers specifically advertised to spy someone without their permission.
Google will also stop the promotion of surveillance equipment which includes cameras, audio recorders, dash cams, nanny cams marketed with the express purpose of spying.
A research group in 2018 conducted a study on the “ecosystem of intimate partner surveillance spyware”. The study found that many Google ads had search terms with the intention of spying or conducting surveillance, CNBC noted.
These ads broadly marketed tools to spy on user’s spouses. Some of these ads read, “How to catch a cheating spouse with his cell phone” and “Track My Wife’s Phone — Want to Spy on your Wife? Track your Wife without her knowing. Discover Who Are They messaging. Download! 24/7 Support Price Advantage No Jail-breaking and Guaranteed App Results.”
The researchers, at the time of publishing the study, said that Google had started to restrict ads for search terms that encourage intimate partner surveillance.
Google’s ad policy stated that the advertisers who will continue to publish such ads afar 11 August will have a buffer time of one week before Google starts suspending their accounts.
