Google set to allow ads for crypto exchanges and wallets for the first time

Cryptocurrencies
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Wit Olszewksi)

Google has announced that it will update its financial products and services policy to allow businesses providing cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets to advertise on its platform later this summer.

Cyrptocurrency advertisements have been banned by the search giant since March of 2018 though it did update its policy just a few months afterwards in September of that year to allow cryptocurrency exchanges to become certified advertisers on its platform in the US and Japan. 

At the time, Facebook had decided to ban all ads for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies over fears of potential scams being advertised on its platform. Just like Google though, the social media giant eventually walked back its ban to allow pre-approved advertisers to run ads for cryptocurrencies.

Now that cryptocurrencies have once again become popular among consumers, payment processing firms like PayPal and even big banks, Google's decision to reverse its previous ban on cryptocurrencies makes a great deal of sense and perhaps Facebook may eventually follow suit as well.

Cryptocurrency ads on Google

Beginning in August, advertisers offering cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets targeting users in the US can begin running ads on Google according to a new policy statement from the company.

However, to be certified by Google, advertisers will need to be duly registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business or a federal or state chartered bank entity, comply with local legal requirements and ensure their ads and landing pages comply with all Google Ads policies.

It's worth noting that cryptocurrency exchanges that were previously certified with Google will need to request a new certification as part of the change by filling out an application form that is scheduled to be released at the beginning of July.

While cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets will be able to advertise with Google later this summer, ads for initial coin offerings (ICOs) and DeFi trading protocols are still prohibited along with celebrity cryptocurrency endorsements, unhosted wallets and unregulated DApps.

Via The Block

TOPICS
Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

Read more
Google Gemini
Would you use Google Gemini if it fills with ads?
Fingerprint
Profit over privacy? Google gives advertisers more personal info in major ‘fingerprinting’ U-turn
Two people having a legal discussion in an office
Google sues US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over federal supervision order for Google Pay
Fraude en ligne phishing
Google Search ads are being hacked to steal account info
Google
Google Gemini will soon offer news updates from The Associated Press
Google Chrome logo on a mobile phone's screen
Google asks US government to drop breakup plan over national security fears
Latest in Software & Services
Windows 11 Start menu layout choices: Grid view
Windows 11 vs Linux for business: which operating system should you embrace?
A phone sitting on a laptop keyboard with the Microsoft Outlook logo on the screen.
Gmail vs Outlook for business: which email system is right for your organization?
Windows 11 logo
Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Home: which version is right for you?
Canva HubSpot
HubSpot and Canva team up to level the creative playing field
a laptop computer
Windows 11 vs ChromeOS for business: Is one better than the other for your needs?
a laptop computer
Windows 11 vs macOS for business: which side are you on?
Latest in News
A hand holding a phone showing the Android Find My Device network
Android's Find My Device can now let you track your friends – and I can't decide if that's cool or creepy
Insta360 X4 360 degree camera without lens protector
Leaked DJI Osmo 360 image suggests GoPro and Insta360 should be worried – here's why
A YouTube Premium promo on a laptop screen
A cheaper YouTube Premium Lite plan just rolled out in the US – but you’ll miss out on these 4 features
Viaim RecDot AI true wireless earbuds
These AI-powered earbuds can also act as a dictaphone with transcription when left in their case
The socket interface of the Intel Core Ultra processor
Intel unveils its most powerful AI PCs yet - new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors pack in vPro for lightweight laptops and high-performance workstations alike
An Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
Nvidia confirms that an RTX 5070 Founders Edition is coming... just not on launch day