Ariel Bogle says, “It takes only minutes on YouTube to find ads from major brands next to hateful videos promoting extremism and racism.

Though the issue has been longstanding, a global brand boycott of the platform has been gathering steam. It’s now reached Australia, with Telstra and Foxtel swearing off YouTube. At least, for now.

As first reported by Fairfax Media, the Australian arms of Vodafone and Nestlé have also joined the boycott.

A spokesperson for the cable TV provider Foxtel said the company is “actively engaged with Google” to ensure its ads are not run next to offensive content, but it still suspended advertising until the issue is resolved.

“Having had an incident drawn to our attention, we are no longer satisfied that the settings are proving effective,” he said.

Vodafone advertising is paused on all Google digital properties except search. The telecommunications company is now working with Google and its agencies to find a new, safer approach, a company spokesperson said.

A Telstra representative also confirmed YouTube advertising would be suspended until “we are satisfied there is an appropriate level of protection for our brand.”

YouTube’s problems began in the UK, when its parent company Google appeared before UK lawmakers to explain why tax-payer funded ads for the BBC and tourism agencies were appearing next to homophobic and racist videos”.

Google has more problems as YouTube ad boycott reaches another country

Mashable

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