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Google Reneges on Anti-Abortion Ads
An out of court settlement reached between the Christian Institute and Google has resulted in a change to Google’s policy, which now allows for anti-abortion advertisements to be shown when the keyword “abortion” is searched from the Google website. Google has couched its decision as part of a policy review and a decision to create a level playing field, provided that the anti-abortion ads are placed in a “factual” way rather than a “graphic or emotional” way. Google’s new policy on the issue will apply worldwide, and Google has made it clear that it does not take a particular side in the abortion debate.
Google was sued after it refused to accept an advertisement from the Christian Institute, a U.K. based organization that wanted its views regarding a proposed abortion law to appear on Google when users searched for the keyword “abortion.” This settlement demonstrates the fine line that large scale Internet content providers will have to walk in determining what religious or political content they are willing to allow.
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http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10044511-93.html