***** (read update below) *****
As some readers may be aware, we sometimes run ads via Google AdSense to increase our traffic. However, starting this August, Google has implemented a new policy regarding ads of a political nature. While the apparent intention is laudable–squelch “fake news” advertisements from Fancy Bear and others–the approach leaves much to be desired.
In order to comply with Google’s new policy, individuals and groups must attest that they are US citizens. This is all fine, however, the way in which Google determines compliance is by demanding that individuals and groups obtain an identification number from the Federal Election Commission. To apply for an FEC id, both individuals and organizations must set up a bank account, register as a political organization, and wait for government approval.
The text below is what Google determined was of a political nature:
“Enough with Trump | Two years is enough
trumpwithpence.com
Still waiting to see the true nature of the real Donald Trump?”
The keywords associated with the advertisement were: mike pence, donald trump, trump and pence. The names of two public figures, one being a television celebrity.
The above was deemed too political, according to Google. We were informed that our AdSense material contained politically sensitive language and would therefore no longer run. Google explained via automated email that as a political entity, we were required to register with the government, if we wanted to advertise our website.
We are currently discussing with Google the merits of the ban, given that we have a First Amendment right to express our political views, without resorting to registering with the government. And while, yes, Google is a private business, it also has a public accomodation duty to respect our First Amendment rights.
One can only conclude from this that Google has used its “lessons learned” from how it promoted censorship in China, and applied it in a United States context. This should be frightening to anyone with any sense of democratic ideals.
=====================> update August 29, 2018
We heard back from a Google employee and they told us that the automated system made a mistake in classifying us as a political entity. The Google people did whatever it is they need to do to tame the algorithmic beasts and our ads will no longer be flagged as requiring registration with the Federal Election Commission.
Lessons learned on our part? Never discount the human element to make mistakes in the first place, which then require human intervention to correct.