“We’ve heard feedback that some people would prefer to limit ads in certain categories, so we’re launching a new control in Ad Settings, enabling people to see fewer alcohol ads, with gambling as an additional option,” explained Elijah Lawal of Google global communications and public affairs in a blog post.
Google worked with the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), who’s members include beer, wine and spirits producers, on the imitative.
“IARD’s engagement with Google means users of the platform, starting with YouTube, will have the option to see fewer alcohol ads.,” said IARD President and CEO Henry Ashworth.
“Our members are determined to give people greater control over whether they see alcohol-related marketing online. Respecting these personal preferences and recognizing differences in culture requires sensitivity and action, that’s why we hope this partnership is the start of a bigger movement,” Ashworth added.
The feature will be rolled out gradually, beginning with YouTube Ads in the United States, with an aim to introduce the feature globally for Google Ads and YouTube in early 2021.
“We believe this new feature is an important step in user choice and control,” Google said. “We’ll continue to improve our controls; and as our products and people’s expectations of them evolve, so will the features we make available to personalize ad experiences.”
Countries with legal restrictions against gambling or alcohol advertising will not see any change in their policies, Google said.
Source: GMB
