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I think Google could afford to spend a couple billions more to fund the manufacturing and distribution of masks and ventillators, instead of announcing a suppor

I think Google could afford to spend a couple billions more to fund the manufacturing and distribution of masks and ventillators, instead of announcing a support package with the bulk in ad credits. Also, Google employs some of the best marketers on the planet, they should be showing ads for how to wear masks correctly and for practical safety guidelines, and leverage everything they've learned about human psychology to disperse information that could save lives. That's what it means to actually want to do something, not just pretend with ad credits that ultimately boost your own business. Right now I'm getting an ad for Milka chocolate as I watch news videos about the pandemic on YouTube, instead of being offered a chance to learn how to safely disinfect groceries. Google does not need to give out ad credits to WHO to be able to run public safety ads today across all AdSense sites. They have the money and the talent to spin up a massive public safety campaign within days.

glouwbug 7y ago
True, but wouldn't that incentivize people to seek out masks when the already short supply is needed for the health care workers?
izacus 7y ago
Did you miss the last bullet point? > Direct financial support and expertise to help increase the production capacity for personal protective equipment (PPE) and lifesaving medical devices. We’re working with our longtime supplier and partner Magid Glove & Safety, with the goal of ramping up production of 2-3 million face masks in the coming weeks that will be provided to the CDC Foundation. Additionally, employees from across Alphabet, including Google, Verily and X, are bringing engineering, supply chain and healthcare expertise to facilitate increased production of ventilators, working with equipment manufacturers, distributors and the government in this effort.
- dessant 7y ago
  Google has announced a $800+ billion support package for small businesses and crisis response, $810 billion of that are ad credits and an investment fund for small businesses. There is certainly more that Google could do to fund the manufacturing and distribution of life-saving equipment, even if they do mention it in the last bullet point, without clarifying the amount of financial support.
summerlight 7y ago
> I think Google could afford to spend a couple billions more to fund the manufacturing and distribution of masks and ventillators. Not couple billions, but still the last bullet point is exactly what you're saying. > Also, Google employs some of the best marketers on the planet, they should be showing ads for how to wear masks correctly and for practical safety guidelines, and leverage everything they've learned about the human psychology to disperse information that could save lives. Google seems promoting the following link in their top page (which is perhaps one of the most valuable real estate in the internet). https://www.google.com/search?q=coronavirus+tips&fbx=dothefive https://www.google.com/search?q=coronavirus+tips&fbx=dothefi...
- dessant 7y ago
  > Not couple billions I think we should stop giving them a pass. If they can spend billions on fines, it's possible that they could afford to spend a comparable amount to help people and save lives. Don't you find it insulting that the bulk of the support package is ad credits? > Google seems promoting the following link in their top page Only if you search for coronavirus tips and related terms, that is nowhere near the massive marketing campaign Google could pull off across their network to bring vital information to the public.
  - summerlight 7y ago
    > Only if you search for coronavirus tips and related terms, that is nowhere near the massive marketing campaign Google could pull off across their network to bring vital information to the public. I explicitly stated the phrase "in their top page", not "in their search page".
    - dessant 7y ago
      I don't see anything similar on google.com, maybe the message is geo-targeted. Btw, it would be good to always disclose your affiliation to Google on similar threads, or at least in your bio.

glouwbug 7y ago

True, but wouldn't that incentivize people to seek out masks when the already short supply is needed for the health care workers?

izacus 7y ago

Did you miss the last bullet point? > Direct financial support and expertise to help increase the production capacity for personal protective equipment (PPE) and lifesaving medical devices. We’re working with our longtime supplier and partner Magid Glove & Safety, with the goal of ramping up production of 2-3 million face masks in the coming weeks that will be provided to the CDC Foundation. Additionally, employees from across Alphabet, including Google, Verily and X, are bringing engineering, supply chain and healthcare expertise to facilitate increased production of ventilators, working with equipment manufacturers, distributors and the government in this effort.

dessant 7y ago
Google has announced a $800+ billion support package for small businesses and crisis response, $810 billion of that are ad credits and an investment fund for small businesses. There is certainly more that Google could do to fund the manufacturing and distribution of life-saving equipment, even if they do mention it in the last bullet point, without clarifying the amount of financial support.

summerlight 7y ago

> I think Google could afford to spend a couple billions more to fund the manufacturing and distribution of masks and ventillators. Not couple billions, but still the last bullet point is exactly what you're saying. > Also, Google employs some of the best marketers on the planet, they should be showing ads for how to wear masks correctly and for practical safety guidelines, and leverage everything they've learned about the human psychology to disperse information that could save lives. Google seems promoting the following link in their top page (which is perhaps one of the most valuable real estate in the internet). https://www.google.com/search?q=coronavirus+tips&fbx=dothefive https://www.google.com/search?q=coronavirus+tips&fbx=dothefi...

dessant 7y ago
> Not couple billions I think we should stop giving them a pass. If they can spend billions on fines, it's possible that they could afford to spend a comparable amount to help people and save lives. Don't you find it insulting that the bulk of the support package is ad credits? > Google seems promoting the following link in their top page Only if you search for coronavirus tips and related terms, that is nowhere near the massive marketing campaign Google could pull off across their network to bring vital information to the public.
- summerlight 7y ago
  > Only if you search for coronavirus tips and related terms, that is nowhere near the massive marketing campaign Google could pull off across their network to bring vital information to the public. I explicitly stated the phrase "in their top page", not "in their search page".
  - dessant 7y ago
    I don't see anything similar on google.com, maybe the message is geo-targeted. Btw, it would be good to always disclose your affiliation to Google on similar threads, or at least in your bio.