Google To Allow Users To Block Gambling, Alcohol Ads In 2021

Google has drawn recent attention for allowing users to block alcohol and gambling advertisements. Alphabet, the parent company of Google and YouTube, said it was keen on providing the tools that would respect individual choice on its multiple platforms.

The feature comes amid calls from Google users to add new controls.

“We’ve heard feedback that some people would prefer to limit ads in certain categories like alcohol, so today, we’re launching a new control in Ad Settings, enabling people to see fewer alcohol ads, with gambling as an additional option,” read a statement Thursday from the company.

It added that "building tools that provide transparency and control has always been a top priority for us."

Alphabet did not break down ad revenue by component in its most recent earnings report. Total advertising revenue during the third quarter for Google was $23.6 billion, up 6% year-on-year. YouTube advertising revenue increased 32% year-on-year to $5 billion, buoyed by an increase in spending from advertisers.

There has been added pressure for companies to provide more safeguards as sports online gambling has grown.

Meanwhile, Google said it was working with the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking to help implement the option.

“Our members are determined to give people greater control over whether they see alcohol-related marketing online,” IARD President and CEO Henry Ashworth said in a statement. “Respecting these personal preferences and recognizing differences in culture requires sensitivity and action, that’s why we hope this partnership is the start of a bigger movement.”

Users can already control what they see on Google by adjusting the ad settings, which allows users to opt out of personalized ads completely.

The new feature will be available first for YouTube. Alphabet said it’s aiming to introduce the option on Google itself and globally for YouTube early next year.