At least four major US firms have pulled millions of dollars in advertising from Google’s platform amid rows over extremist content.  The Times reported that telecoms firms AT&T and Verizon, as well as car rental company Enterprise and pharmaceutical giant GSK, have withdrawn all non-search advertising.  An investigation by the newspaper found major brands were appearing next to YouTube videos promoting extremist views – generating revenues for the creators.

Source: BBC Technology News

Date: March 24th, 2017

Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39360431

Discussion

1) “According to The Times, Verizon’s advertisements were appearing along side videos made by Wagdi Ghoneim, an Egyptian cleric who had been banned from the US over extremism, and Hanif Qureshi, whose teachings inspired the assassination of a Pakistani politician.”   Who should get to decide what is “extremist” in these situations?

2) How might Google program an “extremist” detector for videos?