Industry sources have revealed that Google will suspend all politics-related advertisements on its platforms in South Korea, anticipating the general election next month.
The decision, outlined in a recent notice, will encompass Google services such as YouTube, Google Search, and the Google Play Store.
Why Google is Halting Political Ads in South Korea
(Photo : Mathew Schwartz from Unsplash)
Ahead of the national election in South Korea next month, Google is saying "no" to all political ads that might affect voters' perceptions.
According to Yonhap news agency via The Statesman, the move aims to shield voters from potentially misleading or biased political content in advertisements, ensuring a fair electoral process.
Google wants to promote transparency and accuracy in political discourse during the election period that's why it will suspend all the election-related ads that might vastly affect the voters' decision during the national event.
Related Article: Google Introduces Stricter Restrictions for AI-Generated Content in Political Ads Ahead of 2024 Election
Initiatives for Voter Education
In addition to suspending political ads, Google intends to facilitate access to reliable information on voting procedures and voter registration. The company plans to feature links on its homepage, directing users to credible sources for essential election-related information.
Enhanced Election Coverage on YouTube
To further support voter education, Google will introduce election-related information panels in YouTube search results, per The Korea Times. These panels will guide users to verified sources, offering comprehensive insights into election proceedings and candidates.
Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
South Korea is gearing up for parliamentary elections scheduled for April 10, with early voting set for April 5-6. The suspension of political ads means that Google is committed to upholding integrity and fairness in the electoral process, fostering informed decision-making among voters.
The search engine giant aims to contribute positively to South Korea's democratic process by promoting transparency and accountability in political communications.
The suspension of political ads could spell a disaster for politicians who rely on online platforms. The real test in choosing a set of worthy leaders is hearing their platforms and weighing down their pros and cons.
Google Ads That Debunked Misleading Content
If there are advertisements that can deceive voters during election day, there are also ads that can enlighten them about misinformation.
Back in February, Tech Times reported that Google ran various ads that help citizens identify deceptive reports. This way, the manipulative content is debunked before it reaches the public.
The anti-misinformation campaign of Google gave a helping hand to EU residents who will vote in the upcoming elections. The advertisements will be translated into 24 official languages in the European region.
What prompted Google to launch this initiative is French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné's claim that Russia has been spreading disinformation about Ukraine and other related matters.
As of now, the EU still remains vigilant about the spread of false materials that might affect the elections.
Misinformation might not hurt a person, but it can infect his/her idea like a poison that slowly spreads throughout a body.
Read Also: FEC Evaluates Regulation of AI-Powered Political Ads Amid Deepfake Concerns
