View Full Version : Google now banning firearm related items on their product search
damndave
06-25-2012, 9:38 PM
Just received an email from Google. Booooooo. I know that a lot of Calgunners, and others in general use it to search for good deals, so I thought I should post it on here.
Still trying to see if accessories are banned as the email says "accessory kits", but their actual policy only says "Guns, ammunition and knives".
Just to clarify.
This is for Google Shopping and NOT for Google search engine.
I was only notified by Google yesterday, so this new policy has not yet gone into effect.
We do not allow the promotion or sale of weapons and any related products such as ammunitions or accessory kits on Google Shopping.
Other prohibited categories
The following products are not allowed on Google Shopping:
Vehicles
Guns, ammunition and knives
Tobacco and cigarettes
Traffic devices (Learn more)
Products related to casino and gambling
Products or digital goods that require additional software installation in order to be purchased.
Products bundled with service plans. (Note: The only products that are allowed to be submitted with a service plan are mobile devices.)
DannyInSoCal
06-25-2012, 9:54 PM
I'm waiting for the same crap to show up on FaceBook marketing...
mud99
06-25-2012, 10:25 PM
Would the gun community be interested in a guns-only product search engine?
I know a company which can set this up. Maybe the proceeds could go to CGF SAF or NRA.
Would the gun community be interested in a guns-only product search engine?
I know a company which can set this up. Maybe the proceeds could go to CGF SAF or NRA.
Send a PM to Kestryll or start a separate thread to determine the interest level. I'm sure it would be pretty high.
I know for Google's Merchant Center and Adwords, most companies are doing data feeds or API.
IntoForever
06-25-2012, 10:57 PM
If google blocks this, I'll stop using google.
Wow that sucks for the hundreds of gun-related merchants on the web. They also prohibit posting Google ads on a site that features guns or parts. But oddly enough there are lots of those web sites that have Google ads on them, so it's selective enforcement.
They're talking about Google Shopping not general search of guns and ammunition sales. At least that's how I read it.
Just received an email from Google. Booooooo. I know that a lot of Calgunners, and others in general use it to search for good deals, so I thought I should post it on here.
Still trying to see if accessories are banned as the email says "accessory kits", but their actual policy only says "Guns, ammunition and knives".
You forgot to post the email address where we can respond and tell them that we wont be using Google Shopping as long as this policy stands.
I'd like to see this posted at several other major sites (AR15.com, etc, etc) for the purpose of getting the word out.
axel4488
06-25-2012, 11:16 PM
I just went directly to Google shopping and searched for a Springfield 1911. It still works.
drifter2be
06-25-2012, 11:21 PM
:useless:
I don't buy it until I see the actual email or a screenshot of it at least. And how about a reply to address so we can contact google and let them know how we feel about this. If this is the case I am even more happy I got rid of my crappy android phone now, and I guess I'll be uninstalling chrome and switching to Bing *shudder* as my primary search engine.
damndave
06-25-2012, 11:30 PM
I just went directly to Google shopping and searched for a Springfield 1911. It still works.
This has not gone into effect yet, but I am assuming it will very soon.
:useless:
I don't buy it until I see the actual email or a screenshot of it at least. And how about a reply to address so we can contact google and let them know how we feel about this. If this is the case I am even more happy I got rid of my crappy android phone now, and I guess I'll be uninstalling chrome and switching to Bing *shudder* as my primary search engine.
Here is a screenshot of the email.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7446273158_7198876e47_o.jpg
Here is the link to their new policies. Look under "Unacceptable product categories"
http://support.google.com/merchants/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2632553
damndave
06-25-2012, 11:37 PM
For those merchants who use Google AdWords, this effects them as well. This did go into effect in Jan 2012 though.
http://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=176077&rd=1
For those of you who do not know what AdWords is used for, it's a service for merchants to bid on certain key search words. So basically the more money you bid on a key word like "AR15" or alike, the higher your store will come up on a Google search when that keyword is searched for.
stilly
06-25-2012, 11:56 PM
goddamn google rat bastards..
Why do I keep falling in love with things that end up hurting me?
Snapple fact I read on google: If you spell google backwards it still spells google.
Crazy I know but it is the truth! I swear!
Dutch3
06-26-2012, 4:26 AM
If google blocks this, I'll stop using google.
You do not use Google; Google uses you.
I am beginning to think Google is a CIA black op in plain view. :TFH:
Midian
06-26-2012, 5:18 AM
You'd think they'd allow it since they are an NSA data mining front.
Sunwolf
06-26-2012, 5:22 AM
And the horse they rode in on...
-hanko
06-26-2012, 5:51 AM
Opened google shopping 2 minutes ago...
First search was for 'AR15', second for 'handguns'...had a bazillion hits on each, no prohibition...
I'm in ID this month and back to CA in July :(.
I'm wondering if they set search parameters based on geo location and political bs??? Maybe check once i reach the Peoples' Republick and see what happens.
-hanko
I would expect nothing less from a company that openly gives information to any inquiring government
offrdmania
06-26-2012, 6:09 AM
The way I read it they were referring to Google shopping and not the search. Did I read it wrong??
rogtac
06-26-2012, 6:17 AM
Yup, i got the same email. They are basically banning, from Google Shopping, anything that minors should not be able to purchase or participate in. Although convenient, Google Shopping does not always benefit the consumer, since some of the better deals never show up on Google Shopping.
Anyone who can come up with a worthwhile shopping search enngine, comparable to Google Shopping, but focused solely on "Sin" products, will probably be very successful.
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk 2
Can't minors buy gun parts?
the86d
06-26-2012, 6:26 AM
You used to be able to do a search for "22lr upper" (no quotes), or "complete 9mm upper".
Results are currently nil, in shopping. No more sorting by price!
A search for "penis pump", "anal lube", and "giant black dildo" still returns many results suitable for minors.
A search for "cocaine" returns "I Am the Market: How to Smuggle Cocaine by the Ton, in Five Easy Lessons [Book]"
And people wonder why our children are so screwed up.
gunnerstuff
06-26-2012, 6:39 AM
You used to be able to do a search for "22lr upper" (no quotes), or "complete 9mm upper".
Results are currently nil, in shopping. No more sorting by price!
Started to notice that lately too. Very little to no gun related comparison shopping results at all on google. That so blows.
I guess the gun community is going the way of tobacco sales, only available at your local 7-11
JON KARGATHALON
06-26-2012, 6:54 AM
I grew up on Yahoo, so i been using it for 10 years. Just as good as google in my opinion:D
This might sound ignorant, but why would people use google shopping when there are other ways to find online sellers of stuff? Do people know google collects and analyzes a lot of data relating to what google users do online?
I grew up on Yahoo, so i been using it for 10 years. Just as good as google in my opinion:D
True, I've been using Yahoo for atleast 11 or 12 years. Google is my second option when it comes to searches.
sd_shooter
06-26-2012, 7:23 AM
It's a shame. I actually use google shopping when looking for the best price on anything.
Not surprising however, since paypal and craiglist are already in the anti camp.
the86d
06-26-2012, 7:24 AM
A search for "penis pump", "anal lube", and "giant black dildo" still returns many results suitable for minors.
A search for "cocaine" returns "I Am the Market: How to Smuggle Cocaine by the Ton, in Five Easy Lessons [Book]"
And people wonder why our children are so screwed up.
Indeed. Hell if you do a search for ANYTHING on google, and check the "Images", you typically don't get what you specifically searched for (I don't want GLBT pix... bits-please). Actually the "L" is okay in my book, as they don't do anything I don't... but still. :)
This might sound ignorant, but why would people use google shopping when there are other ways to find online sellers of stuff? Do people know google collects and analyzes a lot of data relating to what google users do online?
This is why I have multiple accounts, and never sign in if at all possible. Hopefully it thinks I am someone else, or multiple someone-elses...
Elwood_Blues
06-26-2012, 7:52 AM
That blows for merchants. Maybe they'll migrate to Amazon where 2A is supported. Sorry to hear that AA.
winnre
06-26-2012, 8:07 AM
We should make a search engine and call it Gungle.
DaveInOroValley
06-26-2012, 8:21 AM
If it is true it doesn't surprise me. If anyone else had noticed Google also does not go out of it's way to honor military events or many National Holidays, but will go to great lengths to recognize what has to be mundane events in our history such as:
"Clyde Suckfinger's" 139th birthday.
JAGACIDA
06-26-2012, 3:24 PM
My balls are being squeezed again. Google is owned by the CIA, a lucrative side business.
baih777
06-26-2012, 3:43 PM
They're talking about Google Shopping not general search of guns and ammunition sales. At least that's how I read it.
I agree. Its for google shopping and not search
I have always hated google. I have never used it until I was forced to do so when I got an Android.
send it_hit
06-26-2012, 4:14 PM
just searched "springfield 1911," ".22 upper," and "daniel defense" in google shopping... all yielded a ton of results... :confused:
Scratch705
06-26-2012, 4:33 PM
If it is true it doesn't surprise me. If anyone else had noticed Google also does not go out of it's way to honor military events or many National Holidays, but will go to great lengths to recognize what has to be mundane events in our history such as:
"Clyde Suckfinger's" 139th birthday.
they already explained why they don't. those little events they do is done in a playful and funny way. you want google to do a playful and funny gesture of somber events like memorial day or veteran's day? then we will get threads on here about how disrespectful google is, making fun of those days.
plus google does only events that have a global impact or furthered the global knowledge.
auditdude
06-26-2012, 5:32 PM
I use 'StartPage'. Same Google engine but it does not track IP addresses or block sites (unless you have a filter on)
https://eu3.startpage.com/ is the URL.
SURVIVOR619
06-26-2012, 7:03 PM
Google hippies... So rich and to the left, they are elite and need not possibly protect themselves or their families. Instead, they are above all aggression and live in a world of fantasy and rainbow slides... Firearms could not possibly bring enjoyment to anyone unless they are barbarians...
DaveInOroValley
06-26-2012, 7:07 PM
they already explained why they don't. those little events they do is done in a playful and funny way. you want google to do a playful and funny gesture of somber events like memorial day or veteran's day? then we will get threads on here about how disrespectful google is, making fun of those days.
plus google does only events that have a global impact or furthered the global knowledge.
Too late IMO they are a major fail in what they do "memorials" of.
stepchain
06-26-2012, 7:08 PM
I'm a big fan of Google and I've always liked their products and search engine, but damn. Why do they have to be so dumb about this.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Must be a CA thing
I just did a search for firearms for sale
on google and came up with About 18,100,000 results (0.15 seconds)
Nope I changed the location to California and searched again
About 18,100,000 results (0.12 seconds)
Maybe someone is just jerking your chain?
Bull Elk
06-26-2012, 8:40 PM
I'm not having any problems using Google search engine to find firearms. I just used it wit no problems.
damndave
06-26-2012, 9:19 PM
This is for Google Shopping and NOT for Google search engine.
I was only notified by Google yesterday, so this new policy has not yet gone into effect.
I'm not surprised by this...the owners are left leaning &%^(#)Q's
I quit using Google search weeks ago and now use http://www.ixquick.com
(Thanks Wernher!...works great)
hermosabeach
06-26-2012, 9:45 PM
As google owns youtube, I wonder what will happen over time to all of the fun videos on u tube????
This is for Google Shopping and NOT for Google search engine.
I was only notified by Google yesterday, so this new policy has not yet gone into effect.
You should clarify this in your OP or thread title as I'm not sure a lot of people are familiar with the Merchant Center, Adwords and Adsense.
forgiven
06-26-2012, 10:13 PM
What about the 20oz soft drinks.
Well that's stupid. I used Google shopping to do a quick, initial search for ammo and some gun prices.
damndave
06-28-2012, 1:23 PM
Brownells & Midsouth Shooters just posted about this today on their facebook pages as well.
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/06/28/google-shopping-to-censor-all-gun-ammo-accessories-results/
General
06-28-2012, 3:19 PM
Google is no longer allowing anything related to firearms to be searched on their Google Shopping. Firearms, ammo, and accessories, are all censored now. It will take full effect on July 1, 2012. What say all of you?:mad:
http://www.usacarry.com/forums/businesses-against-firearms-2nd-amendment/27044-google.html?utm_campaign=06282012&utm_medium=email&utm_source=normal
This works great to stop tracking:
http://www.donottrackplus.com/howitworks.php
Here's another search engine:
https://startpage.com/eng/protect-privacy.html
teh.killer.of.zombies
06-28-2012, 3:22 PM
its true. Try it now. Its already blocked.
Edit: or at least it was last night (maybe testing it )
Intimid8tor
06-28-2012, 3:23 PM
To test it I went and searched for something firearm related and nothing came up.
So, I guess it's true.
AeroEngi
06-28-2012, 3:23 PM
Seems to be true. I just tried searching for some firearms related stuff on Google Shopping and it kept saying "Your search - xm193 - did not match any shopping results." I'm very disappointed in Google.
taperxz
06-28-2012, 3:26 PM
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=8837480
Dupe :D
ervaztec
06-28-2012, 3:26 PM
It worked for me. Just searched "1911" and "HK G3"
Farrier-1
06-28-2012, 3:30 PM
works here
Ar_Glock_Man
06-28-2012, 3:34 PM
me to it still work
We're talking about Google Shopping results, not general Google Search results.
General
06-28-2012, 3:39 PM
Worked for me. Try clearing history, cookies.
nothing4u
06-28-2012, 3:42 PM
Next they should filter out Freedom and Liberty. Time to go with Bing search engine.
General
06-28-2012, 3:46 PM
I've already block google anal itics 31 times in about 10 minutes.
Dantedamean
06-28-2012, 3:53 PM
I just google shopped saiga 12 and it came up with a bunch of listings.
winslowgirl
06-28-2012, 4:07 PM
I just google shopped saiga 12 and it came up with no listings at all. All I got was this:
Your search - saiga 12 - did not match any shopping results.
Suggestions:
Make sure all words are spelled correctly.
Try different keywords.
Try more general keywords.
Try fewer keywords.
Dantedamean
06-28-2012, 4:12 PM
156621
Still works for me.
guys...it says it will take affect July 1st ...
if it doesn't work your probably going to a server that's currently testing it out or did it early.
penguinofsleep
06-28-2012, 4:16 PM
i suspected as much when certain firearm related searches were coming up without the shopping results lately... although with the concurrent ban on vehicles and the rest of the list, i suspect it may have to do with some odd law or regulation (ie not getting sued) more than anything?
PEBKAC
06-28-2012, 4:16 PM
156621
Still works for me.
iPhone/iPad browsers are not having the problem for some reason. Everything else seems to get blocked results.
No idea why they'd block based on useragent. :confused:
Librarian
06-28-2012, 4:18 PM
Dupe, as noted in post 5.
peacedivision
06-28-2012, 4:22 PM
Sounds like they are transitioning google shopping to a commercial model.
http://googlecommerce.blogspot.com/2012/05/building-better-shopping-experience.html
simple generic searches like "magazine" which should come up with TONS of non firearm related results are coming up blank.
Capybara
06-28-2012, 4:26 PM
Google sucks. I plan on NOT using them anymore for anything. There are good alternatives for finding guns, ammo and accessories on-line anyway. They are just one more leftist utopia, nanny-state, Silicon Valley boat of idiots that we don't need to support.
Nose Nuggets
06-28-2012, 4:55 PM
meh, understandable.
sharxbyte
06-28-2012, 5:23 PM
Saw this. theres a thread here on the google products forum:
http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/websearch/YSHW9SOS9WI
blockfort
06-28-2012, 7:19 PM
Not working for me in Santa Monica on my PC. No results for 9mm or 1911 in google shopping.
rkt88edmo
06-28-2012, 7:27 PM
nobody likes us everybody hates us guess we'll go shoot guns
long narrow skinny barrels
short fat big bore barrels
shiny noisy super duper guns!
sholling
06-28-2012, 7:30 PM
I'd been wondering why I couldn't bring up scopes in Google Shopping - I'm now done with Google Shopping.
Edit: I just checked and Bing shopping works with scopes. I'm now switching to Bing.
NYsteveZ
06-28-2012, 7:40 PM
Google SUCKS and is run by a bunch of Commie pigs. I switched on Memorial day. They always decorate their home page for some stupid artists' birthday or John Lennon, but NOTHING on Memorial Day, D-Day anniversary...nothing. Screw em. Im with Bing now and hope Google goes the way of Alta Vista, Web Crawler or other defunct search engine.
Pissedashell
06-28-2012, 8:49 PM
Banning google, effective now. I will vote via electrons, google can eat s and die
tbasmwmc
06-28-2012, 10:07 PM
Interesting, so Google has a problem with helping threatened women find the tools for self-defense?
Google, why are you pro-rape? Stop the war on women!
So, anyone up for a protest at Google HQ for censorship?
tbasmwmc
06-28-2012, 10:16 PM
And they're censoring the results for pepper spray and stun guns too.
Sydwaiz
06-29-2012, 10:19 AM
Just changed the search function in Chrome to Bing instead.
MontClaire
06-29-2012, 10:28 AM
Would the gun community be interested in a guns-only product search engine?
I know a company which can set this up. Maybe the proceeds could go to CGF SAF or NRA.
Tha is excellent idea. Also it would be great if the new search engine do not save the searches, ip adresses or querries.:thumbsup:
Got Stuff?
06-29-2012, 8:04 PM
Just received an email from Google. Booooooo. I know that a lot of Calgunners, and others in general use it to search for good deals, so I thought I should post it on here.
Still trying to see if accessories are banned as the email says "accessory kits", but their actual policy only says "Guns, ammunition and knives".
Just to clarify.
This is for Google Shopping and NOT for Google search engine.
I was only notified by Google yesterday, so this new policy has not yet gone into effect.
I'm pretty disappointed about this Google stuff.
I recently started using Bing and waiting to see if I get acceptable results.
mycrstuff
06-29-2012, 8:08 PM
I just tried it. Ak-47 comes up and so does pepper spray.
moleculo
06-29-2012, 10:47 PM
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=8837480
Dupe :D
Ah yes, the wanna-be moderator and 2A section bully strikes again. :D
emgee00
06-30-2012, 6:41 AM
Seems to work fine for me, at this time anyways.....
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2j1-2qQCR-E/T-8PW_NF_GI/AAAAAAAABmI/z9YV05bJkLA/P22%252520Search.jpg
Wernher von Browning
06-30-2012, 9:38 PM
Well, it's dead now.
I just did a search for a specific model Ruger 10/22. No hits. Used to be I'd get a dozen different shops around the country offering that particular model.
Screw Google. There are alternatives, including some with privacy advantages. For example, check out Ixquick.
https://www.ixquick.com/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ixquick
Also, read this
https://ixquick.com/proxy/eng/help.html
about using Ixquick as a proxy when going to sites returned by its search engine.
Google makes money by collecting and selling your personal information and web habits. If you want to hurt Google, stop using it -- for anything. Time to move on. Everything in the computer world seems to have a half-life of five to ten years, and Google's time is up.
I just tried it and it seems to work. Typed in Ruger 10/22 and all sort of websites show up. Same with AR 15. Could it be your service provider?
Wernher von Browning
07-01-2012, 9:44 AM
I just tried it and it seems to work. Typed in Ruger 10/22 and all sort of websites show up. Same with AR 15. Could it be your service provider?
This is about GOOGLE SHOPPING. If you wanted to find who's selling specific models of, say, a Ruger 10/22 at a good price.
NOT the regular Google search engine.
Start Google, click on "More" in the menu bar, in the dropdown menu click on "Shopping." Now try finding anything gun related for sale.
Tripper
07-01-2012, 9:59 AM
funny, on google shopping,
http://www.google.com/shopping
I searched for
Ammo
Your search - ammo - did not match any shopping results.
next I searched
porn
About 90,800 results (0.25 seconds)
terrorism
About 387,000 results (0.30 seconds)
steve91104
07-01-2012, 10:20 AM
plenty of firearms-related suggestions, but the results are censored. so lame.
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad276/steve91104/google.png
http://googlecommerce.blogspot.com/2012/05/building-better-shopping-experience.html
I just did a shopping search for ar-15 lower. More than a few results turned up.
JackRydden224
07-01-2012, 6:11 PM
Eotech is still good to go but Trijicon is not. I wonder what is the different.
Regardless, the normal search function is still doing a fine jay oh bee.
ZombieTactics
07-01-2012, 6:26 PM
Bing works just fine.
AeroEngi
07-01-2012, 6:43 PM
funny, on google shopping,
http://www.google.com/shopping
I searched for
Ammo
Your search - ammo - did not match any shopping results.
next I searched
porn
About 90,800 results (0.25 seconds)
terrorism
About 387,000 results (0.30 seconds)
Un-freakin-believable!!!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Got one for IMR4759, but it's a pretty limited result... just Sinclaire.
I wonder if Google would listen to an online petition?
Ooooh... I wonder if they'd listen to a petition on their own site? They do have some function called "Take Action."
batangueno
07-01-2012, 9:19 PM
Started to use Bing. Make sure to register for Bing rewards. :)
Asmodai
07-02-2012, 7:31 AM
Just checked it out and verified that Google has done this. I just deleted my Google Account and everything related to it. Calguns should remove the Forum's Google search function if they can find a replacement.
hmm my Google shopping is still working for pretty much anything glock m&p ak47 etc..
what's the reasoning behind this again?
Johnnyfres
07-02-2012, 9:56 AM
I was able to shop knives and ar-15 lowers. Turn off safe search filter in the advance search options.
Again this is for Google Shopping.
dagtwo
07-02-2012, 1:44 PM
Very interesting. I have tried looking up pepper spray, Glock 27, 9mm federal hydra shock, etc. and get lots of results. And, YES, (before anyone asks) I am using google shopping and not google search engine. Also, I tried using the Google Shopper app (from google inc) on my android phone and can still search for gun related items. Also lets me compare prices and search locally. It's weird that some folks are getting these things blocked. FYI, I am doing this search from a very restricted Fed gov computer too. (During my authorized break, of course)
glock 357
07-02-2012, 1:53 PM
Would the gun community be interested in a guns-only product search engine?
I know a company which can set this up. Maybe the proceeds could go to CGF SAF or NRA.
That would be awesome! Build a shopping experience too that would take profits from google checkout and paypal.
sharxbyte
07-02-2012, 11:50 PM
If you want to hurt Google, stop using it -- for anything. Time to move on. Everything in the computer world seems to have a half-life of five to ten years, and Google's time is up.
I use it for mail, documents, calendar, search, image search, (previously shopping), chrome, and my ANDROID runs off it. Can't make a complete change without finding an alternative for everything, and there isn't yet. Instead, I've sent them a request that they add an option for those of us who wish to have no wool over our eyes, to be able to opt for such results.
https://www.change.org/petitions/tell-google-not-to-interfere-with-our-2nd-amendment-rights-retain-your-current-policy-concerning-weapons#
MrExel17
07-03-2012, 12:06 AM
That sucks! Wonder if HQ was in another state if that would make the difference!
Librarian
07-06-2012, 10:20 AM
See also http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=592159
I just tried shopping.google.com for 'bulk ammunition' and got results.
ethik226
07-06-2012, 11:34 AM
Wow, if they are serious about this I lost almost all of my respect for Google. The September 2012 deadline thing sounds legitimate. I will totally switch to a different search engine and consider switching other services like email if this is the case.
Marthor
07-08-2012, 11:51 PM
If there was any doubt that Google's new gun policy was totally politically driven, take a peak at today's news...
http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/08/technology/google-legalize-love/index.htm?source=cnn_bin
No need to discuss this new topic. The point is that google is actively pushing some far-left political agendas all of a sudden. My response is to switch to Bing.
bombadillo
09-14-2012, 5:51 AM
Looks like Bing is the engine I will be going with now. Thats a real shame.
bombadillo
09-17-2012, 10:06 AM
Welcome to china!
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.