Google recently announced that they will share your name, photo and profile information within ads throughout their networks and services. This week, this promise has been implemented and launched.
What is this new Google ad endorsement feature?
When you endorse, comment on and star things across the Google services (Google+, Google Play, YouTube, etc.), these actions may be used within other people’s Google ads, in order to help make ads more trustworthy with the goal of gaining more clicks and follow-throughs. These actions include:
- When you +1 something on Google Plus
- When you leave a comment on a YouTube video
- When you star something within Google Play
- And more (since Google has been quite vague about the specific details)
Who sees these endorsements?
Google has been quite vague about who exactly will see these endorsements, saying that ” your friends, family and others may see your Profile name and photo, and content like the reviews you share or the ads you +1’d.” However, if your Google+ profile is set to public, I would go on the assumption that this means that the “others” can include anybody, anywhere in the world. (Note: Minors under 18 years of age will not be showcased within ads.)
How does this affect your personal brand?
It’s very important for you to be aware of this new Google function. Why? Because everything circles back to your online reputation management. If you, for example, give a +1 to something that is more on the personal or controversial side, you may not necessarily want for that +1 to be broadcasted in ads for that item / service / product / etc. across the entirety of Google’s platforms.
It’s always been important to stop and reflect before you hit publish. Now, it has become important to stop and reflect before taking any social action across the Google platforms.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Google does give you the opportunity to opt-out of this feature. It’s important that each of us assess the potential impact that this can have on our online reputation and then make the choice to either remain opted-in, or choose to opt-out. For more information on this new Google function and to opt-out of it, visit this link.
Author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, Melissa Agnes is a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted keynote speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. Learn more about Melissa and her work here.
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