Google has announced a pivotal change in its advertising guidelines regarding cryptocurrency. Starting January 29, 2024, the tech giant will permit advertisements related to cryptocurrency coin trusts in the United States. This move comes at a critical time, coinciding with the anticipated approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S.
Previously, Google’s ad policy was more restrictive regarding cryptocurrency and related products. However, the latest update marks a shift towards a more inclusive approach. Cryptocurrency coin trusts, which allow investors to trade shares in trusts holding large amounts of digital currency, are now recognized in this policy shift, potentially paving the way for ETFs.
Google’s commitment to legal compliance remains steadfast. The company emphasizes that all advertisers must adhere to local laws in their target regions. To advertise crypto trusts, companies must obtain Google certification. This requires them to have the necessary local authority licenses and ensure their products, landing pages, and ads meet all regional legal requirements.
Navigating the New Landscape of Crypto Advertising
While expanding its crypto advertising policy, Google maintains certain restrictions. The company continues to exclude advertisements from crypto or nonfungible token (NFT)–based gambling platforms, initial coin offerings, decentralized finance protocols, and services offering trading signals.
The timing of Google’s policy change is noteworthy. Bloomberg’s ETF analysts have projected a 90% likelihood of a U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF approval by January 10, 2024. The crypto community is abuzz with anticipation, as this could lead to multiple ETF applications being approved simultaneously. Currently, there are 13 Bitcoin ETF applicants, with many fund managers, including industry heavyweights like BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity, engaging with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the matter.
This optimistic outlook is mirrored in the cryptocurrency market’s performance. Bitcoin has seen a nearly 74% increase in the past 90 days, and analysts are predicting a potential new all-time high in 2024. Integrating crypto trust ads into Google’s advertising framework signifies a maturing market and increased mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies. This move by Google broadens the advertising horizons for crypto products and signals a growing recognition of digital currencies’ potential in the mainstream financial landscape.