Google Ads for Terrorism Spotted on Mumbai Stories

 By 
Pete Cashmore
 on 
Google Ads for Terrorism Spotted on Mumbai Stories
Mashable Image
Credit:

These may be the most offensive Google Ads ever seen. Spotted in two separate incidents next to stories about the Mumbai attacks on the site IBN Live, they're a typical example of the tactlessness of automated ad targeting systems.

We've seen Google ads go wrong before, of course, but do you recall a worse slip-up in recent memory?

We know it's not Google's intent to offend, nor their fault that these mismatches happen...and yet we've got to ask our readers: surely something can be done to prevent instances like these?

Mashable Image
Credit:

[top image: Notes from Earth, bottom image: Sanyam / Flickr]

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!