Google has disputed the findings, stating that the report misrepresents its products and makes exaggerated claims. The company also stated that the sites identified in the report did not generate ad revenue from the ads displayed on their sites. Google further argued that the Programmable Search Engine (ProSE) product, which was the focus of the report, represents a small part of the Search Partner Network. However, the report has led to calls for greater transparency in Google's ad placement processes and could potentially lead to regulatory scrutiny.
Key takeaways:
- Adalytics’ report reveals that Google's adtech is being used to display ads on websites that violate US sanctions, including Iranian and pornographic sites.
- The report includes a long list of advertisers whose ads were displayed on these sites, including major brands, public bodies, and political campaigns.
- Google's third-party ad network, the Google Search Partner Network (GSP), has been criticized for its lack of transparency and control.
- The findings could force regulators to rethink their hands-off approach to the adtech sector and demand more transparency from Google.