Harris Campaign Manipulates News Stories in Google Ads to Boost Positive Spin

The Harris campaign has reportedly bought Google ads featuring manipulated news stories featuring a pro-Kamala spin in the headline and description. The practice, however, doesn't violate Google's ad policies, arguing that the "Sponsored" label makes them "easily distinguishable from Search results," according to Axios.

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has reportedly engaged in questionable tactics by manipulating the headlines of news stories in Google ads to boost positive spin for the Democratic ticket. According to Axios, the campaign has edited articles from several reputable news organizations, including CNN, NPR, Reuters, the Associated Press, CBS News, The Guardian, and Time Magazine, with the intent of portraying Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in a more favorable light.

The Harris campaign's viral tactics have raised eyebrows and fueled skepticism towards Google's ad policies. However, the practice doesn't violate Google's guidelines, which argue that the "Sponsored" label makes the ads "easily distinguishable from Search results."

Harris Campaign Manipulates News Stories in Google Ads to Boost Positive Spin

One ad featuring a link to The Guardian displayed the headline "VP Harris Fights Abortion Bans - Harris Defends Repro Freedom" with a description that read "VP Harris is a champion for reproductive freedom and will stop Trump's abortion bans." This headline and description were not the original ones used by The Guardian.

Another ad from NPR had the headline "Harris Will Lower Health Costs" with the description reading "Kamala Harris will lower the cost of high-quality affordable health care." Again, these were not the original headline and description used by NPR.

Harris Campaign Manipulates News Stories in Google Ads to Boost Positive Spin

One from Reuters simply read "Inflation Is Down" with the description, "Under the Biden-Harris administration, ‘The U.S. is winning the inflation fight.’" This headline and description were also not the originals used by Reuters.

Multiple news organizations confirmed to Fox News Digital that they were unaware that their articles were being used by the Harris campaign in such a manner. A spokesperson for The Guardian told Axios, "While we understand why an organization might wish to align itself with the Guardian's trusted brand, we need to ensure it is being used appropriately and with our permission. We'll be reaching out to Google for more information about this practice."

Harris Campaign Manipulates News Stories in Google Ads to Boost Positive Spin

The Harris campaign's tactics have drawn criticism from some quarters, who argue that they are misleading and could undermine trust in the media. Others have defended the campaign's actions, arguing that they are simply trying to get their message out to voters in a way that is consistent with Google's ad policies.

Google has faced scrutiny in the past for its ad policies, which have been criticized for allowing misinformation and hate speech to spread on its platforms. The company has taken steps to address these concerns, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to prevent further abuses.

Harris Campaign Manipulates News Stories in Google Ads to Boost Positive Spin

The Harris campaign's use of manipulated news stories in Google ads is a reminder of the importance of media literacy and the need for voters to be informed about the sources of information they are consuming. It also highlights the challenges that media companies face in the digital age, where their content can be easily manipulated and repurposed without their consent.

As the 2020 election approaches, it is likely that we will see more campaigns using Google ads to reach voters. It is important for voters to be aware of the potential for manipulated content in these ads and to critically evaluate the information they are presented with before making any decisions.