Attorney General Bruning: Google Must Answer for Profiting from Videos Promoting Illegal Activity

  LINCOLN – Attorney General Jon Bruning today sent a letter to Google expressing concern regarding the company’s Internet safety and advertising policies. Co-signed by Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, the letter also addresses Google advertising revenue received from illegal and potentially dangerous online content.   “Google stands to make money from ads running in conjunction with instructional videos on everything from illegally purchasing prescription drugs and making fraudulent passports to promoting human trafficking and terrorist propaganda,” said Bruning. “I’m deeply disappointed with Google’s lackadaisical attitude toward Internet safety and consumer protection. The company should be held accountable for profiting from a platform that perpetuates criminal activity.”   The issues related to YouTube were discussed in Boston, Massachusetts last week at the summer meeting of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). At a presentation led by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood regarding online crime, Attorneys General from across the country were shown screen shots from YouTube videos running in conjunction with Google Ads. The YouTube video screen shots captured images related to purchasing potentially dangerous drugs such as Oxycontin and Percocet without a prescription, downloading pirated content and sex club promotions.    “I appreciate Attorney General Hood for placing this issue front and center at our national meeting,” said Bruning. “I intend to get answers on behalf of Nebraskans.” 
Representatives from Google refused an invitation to attend the NAAG meeting.   A copy of the letter and audio clips will be available shortly at www.ago.ne.gov.