Andre Yoskowitz
24 Aug 2011 13:02
Google has settled with the Department of Justice today for $500 million, over their part in showing illegal ads for Canadian pharmacies.
The investigation began in May, and Google said at the time it was setting aside $500 million for a potential settlement.
Google was investigated for showing ads from the companies that were selling counterfeit drugs or selling drugs without a prescription.
Over the years, Google has agreed it is a problem as pharmacies prove a "cat-and-mouse game" by finding new ways to get around Google's ad rules.
Notes Google (via NYT):
We banned the advertising of prescription drugs in the U.S. by Canadian pharmacies some time ago. However, it’s obvious with hindsight that we shouldn’t have allowed these ads on Google in the first place. Given the extensive coverage this settlement has already received, we won’t be commenting further.