Google Controversy Escalates as AT&T, Verizon Pull Ads

Google’s ad saga has spread beyond the U.K., as brands including AT&T, Verizon, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Enterprise Holdings Inc. and distiller Beam Suntory Inc. said they were also suspending or canceling at least some advertising with Google, reports The Wall Street Journal. The move elevates an ongoing issue for Google over concerns that brands’ ads are appearing near extremist content. AT&T said that “until Google can ensure this won’t happen again” it was pulling all non-search spending from the ad giant, including YouTube and the millions of third-party websites in the company’s ad network. Verizon said it was suspending all of its programmatic buying. The crisis has created an opportunity of leverage for some ad buyers to press Google for long-sought changes, while also highlighting the complicated relationship Google has with some customers, reports CMO Today. AT&T and Verizon aren’t just big ad spenders, they are also building online video and ad services to compete with Google. A Google spokeswoman said it is working on measures “to further safeguard our advertisers’ brands.”

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