Google promises ‘greater transparency’ for targeted ads, gives users more control over them

Likelihood is that you’ve visited not less than one Google site or another today, and likelihood is you were delivered some ads tailored only for you whenever you were there. Exactly how those ads got from the advertiser to you hasn’t always been clear, but Google’s now announced a brand new effort that it promises will provide “greater transparency and selection” concerning the ads you notice. One of the most immediate change is a brand new “Why this ad?” link with a purpose to be displayed in search results and on Gmail — click it and Google provides a temporary explanation of ways that specific ad came to seem to your screen (according to your current search terms, your location, etc.). You’ll also soon manage to access a brand new Ads Preference Manager, that may permit you to block specific advertisers or opt out of personalized ads entirely. Google says those options can be appearing “over the approaching weeks,” but you will get a peek at what’s in store inside the video after the break.