Google Sets Limits on Addiction Treatment Ads, Citing Safety
- 7 years ago
Google Sets Limits on Addiction Treatment Ads, Citing Safety
One witness, according to the grand jury report, described how “online marketers use Google search terms to essentially hijack the good name
and reputation of notable treatment providers only to route the caller to the highest bidder.”
Another common trap: Addicts search Google for a rehab program close to their home,
but they will click on an ad for a referral service pitching treatment in another state.
“I am glad Google took steps to prevent the spread of these false ads.”
In targeting the ads for addiction treatment, Google consulted with experts including Mr. Williams, who himself has been in recovery for many years.
But prosecutors and health advocates have warned that many online searches are leading addicts to click on ads for rehab centers
that are unfit to help them or, in some cases, endangering their lives.
This week, Google acknowledged the problem — and started restricting ads that come up when someone searches for addiction treatment on its site.
Their strategy often included buying an ad that would come up when someone searched for phrases like “drug rehab” or “alcohol treatment centers.”
As of this week, Google has stopped selling ads related to those searches, although it
may lift the restriction if it can find a way to weed out misleading advertisements.
One witness, according to the grand jury report, described how “online marketers use Google search terms to essentially hijack the good name
and reputation of notable treatment providers only to route the caller to the highest bidder.”
Another common trap: Addicts search Google for a rehab program close to their home,
but they will click on an ad for a referral service pitching treatment in another state.
“I am glad Google took steps to prevent the spread of these false ads.”
In targeting the ads for addiction treatment, Google consulted with experts including Mr. Williams, who himself has been in recovery for many years.
But prosecutors and health advocates have warned that many online searches are leading addicts to click on ads for rehab centers
that are unfit to help them or, in some cases, endangering their lives.
This week, Google acknowledged the problem — and started restricting ads that come up when someone searches for addiction treatment on its site.
Their strategy often included buying an ad that would come up when someone searched for phrases like “drug rehab” or “alcohol treatment centers.”
As of this week, Google has stopped selling ads related to those searches, although it
may lift the restriction if it can find a way to weed out misleading advertisements.