Google advertising row spreads to US brands

At least four major US firms have pulled millions of dollars in advertising from Google’s platform amid rows over extremist content.

The Time reported that telecoms firms AT&T and Verizon, as well as car rental company Enterprise and pharmaceutical giant GSK, have withdrawn all non-search advertising.

An investigation by the newspaper found major brands were appearing next to YouTube videos promoting extremist views - generating revenues for the creators.

The company has apologized and promised better tools for advertisers.

Despite Google’s efforts to contain the row, which began in the UK earlier this week, it appears to have now caught the attention of the US advertising industry - creating a huge problem for Google as it seeks to reassure brands their ad spend is not funding hate groups.