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Kamala Harris Campaign Criticized for Manipulating Google Ad Headlines

The campaign's practice of altering news headlines in sponsored ads has raised ethical concerns and backlash from media outlets.

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US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Thomas and Mack Center, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 10, 2024. (Photo by RONDA CHURCHILL / AFP) (Photo by RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Harris with Secret Service

Overview

  • Harris's team edited headlines from news outlets to appear more favorable in Google ads.
  • The manipulated headlines linked to original articles but were misleadingly altered.
  • Media organizations, including The Independent and AP, condemned the practice as deceptive.
  • Google stated the ads did not violate its policies but were labeled as 'sponsored.'
  • Experts argue the tactic exploits regulatory loopholes in political advertising.