Google to make political ads information on its platform public
What's the story
In the run-up to 2019 general elections, tech titan Google today announced that it will make information on political advertisements on its platform public. The information will include details like who is purchasing election ads and the money spent on it. Google will introduce an India-specific Political Advertising Transparency Report and searchable Political Ads Library, which will go live in March 2019.
Details
Information will include ad purchase details and funds involved
Google said it will introduce the initiative "to bring more transparency to the online election ads." "These will provide comprehensive information about who is purchasing election ads on Google platforms and how much money is being spent," it said in a statement. Google's initiative is aimed at bringing "openness to election advertising online and enabling voters to get the election-related information they need".
Reason
Digital platforms changing rules for advertisers amid election wave
The move comes at a time when digital platforms have come under pressure to bring transparency into political ads, and are facing increased scrutiny in large markets that are headed for elections. Last month, Facebook had said it'll make it compulsory for advertisers to disclose their identity and location before any such advertisement material can be run on the social media platform and Instagram.