Google Now Allows Cryptocurrency Ads for Regulated Exchanges

Earlier this year, the search-giant took a far less cryptocurrency-friendly approach, when it announced a block on ads promoting ‎cryptocurrencies and ICOs on its own platforms and third-‎party websites. The move came after a similar announcement by social media giant Facebook in January, followed by twitter in March.

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Now, though, Google says it has updated policy on Financial products and services to set up a vetting process that allows to promote some crypto products.

Advertisers wanting to run ads for cryptocurrency products and services must submit an application to help assess their eligibility — including any licenses they have obtained, and other relevant public background on their business.

“Advertisers will need to be certified with Google for the specific country in which their ads will serve. Advertisers will be able to apply for certification once the policy launches in October. This policy will apply globally to all accounts that advertise these financial products,” the statement further states.

The move isn’t a surprise after Google allowed displaying the advertisements of Coinbase, two days after the US popular crypto exchange adverts re-appeared on Facebook. Also, at the time of the original ban, the company stated that it would be revisiting its plans. And with crypto markets rather less volatile than they were at the time, the company may see less of a need for a sweeping ban.

It remains to be seen how the rest of the industry reacts after Facebook and Google eased their restriction on the crypto assets. When the two giants announced their ban on cryptocurrency ads earlier this years, other internet heavyweights, including Twitter, followed suit shortly after.

Despite the previous ban, Google has been the second most active corporate ‎blockchain investor since 2012, with involvement in six companies focused on ‎the blockchain technology, according to a report by tech researcher CB ‎Insights.‎