Google Extends Category Blocking Feature

by Stephen Logan on 5th October 2010

Google has updated its category blocking feature to give users additional power over the commercials which appear on their website.

The service was first introduced last year and allowed companies to opt out of being connected with advertising related to subjects such as dating, politics and religion.

Beta testing has now begun on an extended service known as general category blocking.

Atul Bhandari, AdSense product manager for Google, told users of pay per click management services that the new system could apply to up to 170 categories, with publishers able to block up to 50 of them at a time.

"To help you understand potential changes to your earnings, we'll provide you with the percentage of your total revenue and total impressions that fall under each category," the official added.

Earlier this week, Search Engine Watch columnist Paul Burani said that Google's updated Keyword Tool will make it easier for online companies to measure the number of hits they are receiving from mobile internet users.