You may have heard about the recent controversy over Google's ad endorsement program. Basically, anyone with a Google account can be used in their ads without permission by default. It can include you (
your image, name & information) in ads across the web, saying you like or 'endorse' a product. This comes from data Google has from products you may have liked in the past such as a movie or an item you purchased.
The Google user does not get paid for this 'endorsement' and they are not notified when and where these ads appear. I saw this on the news numerous times as a headline, but I did not see any of the reports show how to OPT OUT.
Some have made the point that Google and other social media outlets give us these tools for free at great cost to them. It goes without saying that without ad revenue, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and others would go away pretty quickly. I think most do understand this, but the objection is more about privacy concerns and that it's not been made really clear how to access the opt out area of the user's accounts. For others who are less concerned about privacy - the issue comes down to why they don't get to share in the 'involuntary endorsement'
Anyone who wishes to OPT OUT of this program can watch the video I created below, or follow text instructions below that if you prefer.
If you rather skip the video. Here are the instructions.
Log into your google account.
Go to this address.
Uncheck the box at the bottom. Click Save, then continue.
That's it. Unless you don't mind others seeing what you like and approve anywhere on the web, this is probably a good idea.
Contact me if you need any more info and share to anyone you think can use it.
