Google to use users’ names, photos for web ads

Google has updated its terms of service so that it can feature users’ names and photos in certain parts of its advertising, The Telegraph reported.

Google explained that user names and photos will be used for ‘shared endorsements’, which are small, one-line reviews displayed underneath a specific advert or listing on one of Google’s services.

For example, your friends might see that you rated an album 4 stars on the band’s Google Play page, or the +1 you gave your favorite local bakery could be included in an ad that the bakery runs through Google.

Under the new terms of service, whenever you comment on, follow or +1 a page while logged in with your Google account, that content can then be used alongside relevant ads.

These endorsements will only be visible to the people you originally shared that activity with.

Most content will therefore be restricted to a specific circle from Google+, although ratings and reviews posted on Google Play or Google+ Local will be visible to the wider public.


"Feedback from people you know can save you time and improve results for you and your friends across all Google services, including Search, Maps, Play and in advertising," said Google in a blog post.