Youtube offers refunds for adverts next to terror videos

♦yo♦t♦be has refunded advertisers that removed their material from the video-sharing site after the adverts appeared alongside extremist and illegal content.

The Google-owned site has paid advertisers back the money it earned when the clips were played ahead of inappropriate videos as it works to recover its reputation. The recent payments are too minor to be compensation for the oversight and in some instances amount to as little as $3 (£2.30), the Financial Times reported. One company refused to accept the refund of “a couple of dollars”.

They are unlikely to boost Youtube’s cause as it struggles to woo businesses back to its platform. The adverts of major brands including Marks and Spencer, L’oreal and Mcdonald’s were found to have appeared alongside hateful and violent videos. In response to the findings some of Youtube’s biggest spenders withdrew their advertising.

Many firms have refused to return to Youtube. Marks and Spencer, the BBC, Channel 4 and the Government are among more than a dozen organisations that are still avoiding the platform. “Government advertising on Youtube remains suspended,” the Cabinet Office told the FT. “Google continues to meet the Cabinet Office regularly to discuss actions that are being taken to address the issue.”

The internet giant is working to assure advertising agencies the problem will not arise again. It has promised firms their adverts will not appear beside hateful content.