Google to block all ads that talk about US elections, but after polls close on Nov 5

Google is taking steps to prevent election-related misinformation by pausing all ads about US elections across its platforms once polling stations close on November 5. According to a memo shared with its advertising partners and obtained by Axios, this temporary ban aims to limit confusion during the crucial post-election period, where vote counting may still be underway.

This policy isn’t exactly new — Google first implemented a similar measure during the 2020 elections, seeking to prevent premature victory claims and false information from spreading before official results are announced. A Google spokesperson explained that the company is acting out of caution, given the likelihood that votes will continue to be tallied even after Election Day.

What the ad ban covers
The pause applies to any advertisements related to US elections, including those that refer to candidates, election outcomes, or the voting process. Google will enforce the ban across all its advertising platforms, including Google Ads, DV360, YouTube, and its Ad Exchange and Shopping services.

The restriction applies broadly to ads placed by candidates, political parties, or organisations promoting ballot initiatives. However, public information campaigns run by state or federal authorities, such as Secretaries of State offices overseeing election processes, will not be affected by the ban.

Tech companies brace for election season
The ad pause highlights how tech giants are preparing to combat the spread of misinformation, especially after the turmoil following the 2020 presidential election.

Social media platforms like Meta are also taking precautionary steps, including banning new political ads during the final week of the campaign.

However, unlike Google, Meta has not announced a post-election pause on political ads. It continues to prohibit candidates and campaigns from declaring victory before the results are official.

Google’s history with election ad policies
Google has previously adjusted its ad policies based on unfolding events. In the last election cycle, it initially lifted its ad ban in December, a few weeks after the presidential election, but reinstated it following the January 6 Capitol riot.

The ban was finally lifted in February 2021, though only after considerable public debate over the role of political ads in fuelling misinformation.

The upcoming pause on election ads is expected to remain in place for several weeks after Election Day. Google has promised to notify advertisers once the policy is lifted, ensuring they have a clear understanding of when they can resume election-related campaigns. This cautious approach underscores the ongoing efforts by tech platforms to prevent the chaos of misinformation and protect the integrity of the democratic process.