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In February 2024, Google will update the Inappropriate content policy to clarify the definition of Sensitive Events.
A 'Sensitive Event' is an unforeseen event or development that creates significant risk to Google's ability to provide high quality, relevant information and ground truth, and reduce insensitive or exploitative content in prominent and monetised features. During a Sensitive Event, we may take a variety of actions to address these risks.
Examples of Sensitive Events include events with significant social, cultural or political impact, such as civil emergencies, natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and related activities, conflict or mass acts of violence
Examples of what we prohibit (non-exhaustive):
- Products or services that exploit, dismiss or condone the Sensitive Event, including price gouging or artificially inflating prices that prohibits/restricts access to vital supplies; sale of products or services which may be insufficient for the demand during a sensitive event
- Using keywords related to a sensitive event to attempt to drive additional traffic
- Claims that victims of a sensitive event were responsible for their own tragedy or similar instances of victim blaming; claims that victims of a sensitive event are not deserving of remedy or support; claims that victims from certain countries were responsible or deserving of a global public health crisis
(Posted 9 January 2024)