Google to Block Political Ads After U.S. Election Polls Close

Google will halt election advertising after the polls officially close for the U.S. presidential election, the company said on Friday.

This action is designed to limit false messages about the outcome of the contest.

According to a media report by Bloomberg News, the largest internet company said advertisers will not be able to run ads referencing candidates, the election, or its outcome. The policy, which is designed to block all ads related to the election, also applies to YouTube, the biggest online video service.

Google also said advertisers should expect to wait at least two days for political ads to be approved in the lead up to the election. With its new policy, the company is treating the election as a “sensitive event,” such as a natural disaster, where it prohibits ads that may capitalize on tragedies.

“Given the likelihood of delayed election results this year, when polls close on November 3, we will pause ads referencing the 2020 election, the candidates or its outcome,” a Google spokeswoman said in a statement. “This is a temporary measure, and we’ll notify advertisers when this policy is lifted.”