‘Google blocks 5.1bn harmful Ads in 2024, suspends 39m accounts’

Google’s 2024 Ads Safety Report revealed how Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a frontline defence against harmful online content, blocking 5.1 billion ads, restricting 9.1 billion more, and suspending over 39 million advertiser accounts, most before a single ad was shown.

The crackdown comes as scams become more sophisticated, with many leveraging AI-generated content or impersonating public figures.

Google’s advanced AI models, powered by Gemini, helped detect fraud faster than ever, spotting signs like stolen payment info, fake businesses, or coordinated scam networks.

READ ALSO: Google blocks 5.1 billion harmful ads with AI in 2024

In Africa, including Nigeria, the impact is especially important. Impersonation scams and misleading political ads remain a major concern.

In response, Google updated its Misrepresentation policy, deployed a team of 100+ global experts, and took down over 700,000 scam-related advertiser accounts, leading to a 90 percent drop in reported impersonation scams.

With nearly half the world voting in 2024, Google also removed over 10 million election-related ads for failing to meet transparency rules requiring verified identities and clear sponsorship disclosures.

In his reaction, Mr Alex Rodriguez, General Manager for Ads Safety at Google, said these numbers show what AI can do when it’s focused on safety.

“We rolled out more than 50 AI model upgrades in 2024, helping us act faster and smarter—stopping threats before users even saw them,” Rodriguez added.

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