Google was unable to stop advertising "shy" websites on its search engine, although it promised to solve the problem, the BBC found.
Ads for unofficial services that sell government documents, such as travel permits and driver's licenses, violate Google's own policies.

Google has not been able to stop advertising "shy" websites on its search engine, although it has promised to solve the problem, the BBC found.
Ads for unofficial services that sell government documents, such as travel permits and driver's licenses, violate Google's own policies.

What's the problem?

In the UK, changing your address on a driver's license is free - but Google runs ads for services that cost £ 49.99.
Applying for an Esta travel authorization to visit the U.S. shouldn't cost more than $ 14 - but Google has repeatedly allowed ads for websites worth more than $ 80.
In Google search results, ads look similar to organic results and appear at the top of the list.


What did the investigation find?

In October 2018, the BBC alerted Google of several ads that violated its policies.
A month later, Google told the BBC that it had developed a machine learning system that would prevent ads from showing again.
At the time, it only banned advertising for third-party services, which were charged more than the government's official website.


Why didn't Google solve the problem?

"Machine learning is very good when you mean a clear goal," said Professor Sandra Wachter of the Oxford Internet Institute.
But trying to catch breakers is a "cat and mouse" game, because companies can change their tactics and reappear.

Suspicious fraudulent gadget store at the top of Google results

Travel-based ads aren't the only ones that have slipped through Google '
In early April, the news site This Is Money founded a fake online investment company that could advertise it on Google.
In May 2020, the BBC found that a suspected fraudulent business had outperformed Google's search and shopping results for weeks and called on customers to pay for the technology by direct bank transfer.

What did Google say?

In a statement, Google stated: "We have strict policies governing the types of ads and advertisers we allow on our platforms. We authorize governments or vendors. authorized by them to advertise only official materials or services ».

Where can I find reliable services?

"When you use the major search engines, including Google, you always have to look for the" ad "tag, says Mr. Lewis.

UK driver's license

Changing your driver's license name or address to gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence is free.

Canada ETA

Electronic travel authorization application costs $ 7CAD.

Australia ETA

An application for an electronic travel agent is available for 20 AUD.