On Wednesday, Google announced that they will not be accepting electoral advertisements for the 2022 national elections. Critics believe this move is due to pressure put over social media platform’s handling of political ads during the 2020 US national elections.
Google explained that this policy applies to ads bought through Google Ads, Display and Video 360, and Shopping platforms that advertisers plan to place on Google, YouTube, and other properties. The policy also includes ads that promote or oppose political parties and candidates for public office.
In a statement, the multinational tech company said, “Google is focusing its efforts and resources on upcoming election-related initiatives which aim to help people access useful and accurate information via product features and media literacy programs, encourage participation in the voting process, and help protect the integrity of the elections.” That said, the policy declares that ads will not be accepted during both the silence periods and election campaign proper.
This is not the first time Google has taken such measures. The search engine giant has banned political advertising during Canada’s federal election in 2019 and before a Singapore 2020 election.
Google also shared that they have upcoming initiatives to help citizens find accurate information and encourage voting. Earlier this year, Google ran the #MagpaRehistroKa campaign with COMELEC to urge Filipinos to become register voters.