Google must follow suit with restricting foreign advertising on YouTube
Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD has welcomed the announcement by Facebook that it is to restrict foreign advertising for the duration of the referendum campaign, and called for Google to follow suit with advertising restrictions on YouTube.
Speaking today, Deputy Ryan said: “The referendum on May 25th is a decision for the Irish people – not for international interests. We have strong rules on campaign finance and on traditional advertising, but they are not fit for purpose when it comes to digital advertising, especially from outside the jurisdiction. Ireland needs to modernise its laws in this regard, but in the short term, this move is an immediate improvement from Facebook to tackle concerns the Irish people have on foreign influence in this referendum.
“We’re now calling on Google to introduce similar restrictions on its YouTube platform. Without coordinated action, there is a chance that foreign interference could continue unchecked, just on a different platform.”
