Kamala Harris's campaign uses edited headlines of stories in reputed media houses without their knowledge: Reports

Senior editors and other people managing reputed media houses like the Guardian, Reuters, CBS News, the Associated Press, PBS, and others were shocked to find that the headlines of some of their stories differed when they were searched on Google. 'Axios' reported that the altered headlines, paired with a “Paid for by Harris for President” banner, were changed without the news outlets’ knowledge. About a dozen publishers were swept up in the campaign, including major companies. But smaller news outlets like North Dakota’s WDay Radio were also targeted.

Misleading headlines

New York Post has reported that in such a case, one advertisement, running along an article from the Guardian shows a headline that reads “VP Harris Fights Abortion Bans – Harris Defends Repro Freedom”. It shows supporting text below the headline that reads, “VP Harris is a champion for reproductive freedom and will stop Trump’s abortion bans.” Similarly, an NPR story reads, “Harris Will Lower Health Costs,” alongside a supporting text that says, “Kamala Harris will lower the cost of high-quality affordable health care,”

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Spokespersons of media houses shocked

Spokespersons from the media houses like CNN, USA Today and NPR said they had no idea the companies were tied up in the campaign. Talking to 'New York Post', a Guardian spokesperson said though he understands why an organization might wish to align itself with the Guardian’s trusted brand, it should have been done appropriately and with prior permission. We’ll be reaching out to Google for more information about this practice.

Not illegal

However, it does not violate Google’s policies as the fake ads are prominently labeled as “sponsored” and “easily distinguishable from search results.” It is ironic that Kamala Harris is trying to use those media houses, whom she has refused to talk or give an interview.

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FAQ

Which media houses were used for altered headlines by Harris's campaign?
Harris's campaign team used media houses like the Guardian, Reuters, CBS News, the Associated Press, PBS, and others for altered headlines for their advertisement. Smaller news outlets like North Dakota’s WDay Radio were also targeted.

Does it violate Google policies?
It does not violate Google’s policies as the fake ads are prominently labeled as “sponsored” and “easily distinguishable from search results.”