The Great Ethereum Keyword Blacklist

In a surprising move that has left many in the crypto community scratching their heads (and possibly pulling their hair out), Google (or Alphabet Inc. if we want to get formal) seems to have hit the eject button on any ads mentioning Ethereum (ETH). This development was first highlighted by a smart contract auditing startup known as Decenter on January 10th, sparking a whirlwind of discussion on Twitter and Reddit.

What’s the Deal with Google Ads?

After Decenter’s tweet, the official Google Ads account confirmed that while cryptocurrency exchanges can advertise to audiences in the U.S. and Japan, targeting other countries might lead to rejected ads. So, if you’re in Timbuktu and trying to promote your Bitcoin hot sauce, you might want to reconsider.

Decenter’s Dilemma

Decenter was primarily reaching out about their experience with keywords like “ethereum development services” and “ethereum security audits.” When they shared their woes on social media, Google suggested they read up on their policy, which is about as helpful as telling someone to read a manual when their car won’t start.

Testing Times

The fine folks at Decenter decided to test the waters further, trying out keywords related to both Ethereum and EOS for smart contract audits. Twist of fate: only the EOS keywords flew through the ad gates. Now, if only Google could be as picky about cat memes as it is about crypto.

Reactions from the Community

The response on Reddit was quick and critical, with users questioning Google’s ethical stance as a third party in the crypto space. One comment noted, “Google has various political and economic agendas,” inviting a fiery debate that could ignite a thousand comment threads.

The Rollercoaster of Google Ads and Crypto

For those unfamiliar with the backstory, Google has had a tangled relationship with cryptocurrency advertising. In June 2018, they went full-on banhammer with a complete prohibition on any crypto-related ads. However, in a plot twist worthy of a thriller, they softened their stance later that year, allowing some ads back on the platform—specifically for exchanges in the U.S. and Japan.

A Wider Perspective

At a time when Google is wrestling with its own image and perceptions of neutrality, this latest ban raises eyebrows—and questions. Other crypto projects like Samourai Wallet have found themselves adjusting their security features just to stay in Google’s good books. As one Redditor put it: “Welcome to 2023; can we just get some fair play here?”