AfterDawn: Tech news

Google settles with government over illegal pharmaceutical ads

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 24 Aug 2011 1:02 User comments (2)

Google settles with government over illegal pharmaceutical ads 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.

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2 user comments

124.8.2011 21:01

"The investigation began in May, and Google said at the time it was setting aside $500 million for a potential settlement. "

So they probably made at least $1 billion. Sounds similar to "Fire Down Below" with Steven Segal and Kris Kristofferson.

227.8.2011 00:17

Another reason I'm a proud Canadian.

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