Why is Google still serving dodgy ads?(atomic14.com)
877 points by iamflimflam1 19 hours ago | 379 comments
tl;dr: The author reported a deceptive YouTube ad that mimicked an iOS "Storage Full" system alert, but Google reviewers repeatedly ruled it didn't violate policy. When the same ad was fed to Google's own Gemini model, it immediately flagged multiple clear policy violations (fake system dialogs, deceptive UI, fear tactics) and recommended disapproval. The piece questions why Google isn't using its own AI to catch obviously deceptive ads its human reviewers keep waving through.
HN Discussion:
  • Google knowingly allows scam ads because it maximizes their revenue amid AI-related business pressures
  • Scam ads on YouTube and AdSense are pervasive and Google's advertising standards have collapsed
  • Strict liability and regulation are needed since Google has no incentive to self-police
  • Users should protect themselves and family with adblockers since reporting ads to Google is futile
  • The broader power imbalance means corporations no longer fear consumer backlash or regulation