Friday 6 April 2012

ACCC Warning Over Google



Ever been confused by searching for a particular brand name on your web browser and being taken somewhere else?
The ACCC has taken Google to task over misleading conduct in that competitors can pay to high jack a major brand's search results. Apparently one of the cases involved entering "Honda" into the search box and being taken to a page with "The Trading Post" as the top result.
This sort of activity is apparently encouraged by Google as they seek to maximize advertising returns but the ACCC say it is deceptive. The ACCC is saying Google are responsible, while Google are saying individual advertisers are responsible. Small businesses who participate in Adwords are advised to be cautious while the big wigs decide just who is responsible. There is something unpalatable about pinching someone else's fame because you are the highest bidder.