Up until this week , those flex to the Google search stripe for information on drug dependency in the UK might have been served lead astray ads directing them to pricey secret clinics . But after the release ofa Sunday Times reportclaiming the tech heavyweight was making “ millions ” from rehab - related lookup advertizement , Google annunciate it has shun the ad class all in Britain .
“ Substance revilement is a rise crisis and has led to deceptive practices by intermediaries that we need to better see . ” a Google spokesperson told Gizmodo in a command . “ In the US , we restrict ads entirely in this category and we have decided to extend this to the UK as we consult with local experts to update our policy and find a better manner to connect those that need help with the treatment they need . ”
According to the Times , the private clinics offer a commission to third - party patient referrers , who can reportedly graze in decade of yard of dollar on a single referral to a luxury rehab essence . To connect with potential patients , one referral company claim to have pay Google as much as around $ 270 for each pawl on an advert for its innocent “ helpline , ” which also gets them help from a Google rep on how to keep their link near the top of the hunt result .
Misleading results on Google are n’t exclusive to rehab - related search advertising . In May of last year , Broadband for America ( BFA ) melt pro - net disinterest advert which in reality navigate to a pagesupporting the repeal of it . But most misinformation pushed to the top of the hunting page isblamed on expert glitches , rather than bad actors turning a earnings .
[ Sunday TimesviaTechCrunch ]
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