Politicians Attack Google AdWords

February 12, 2009 (InfoPowa News) — U.K. politicians have called for a rethink by Google on its decision to allow gambling promotion on its AdWords service. New Media Age reports that the politicians, led by Labour MP for Birmingham Perry Barr Khalid Mahmood, launched an early-day motion questioning Google’s policy
 
The group also referenced concerns raised by religious bodies when Google overturned its ban on gambling advertising in October (see previous reports), as well as its timing.
 
The motion is worded: "This house notes with concern the recent decision of Google to reintroduce online gambilng advertisements during a period of economic downturn; supports the Church of England's position that the actions of Google risk normalising gambling in society; and calls on Google to review its policy in line with its own obligations on corporate social responsibility.”
 
Google U.K. justified its decision to open up AdWords for U.K. advertisers as an attempt to be more relevant in local markets.