Google has been accused by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh of profiting from ads placed on websites containing child abuse imagery.

Amanda Storey, Managing Director of Trust & Safety at Google EMEA, faced a grilling from Paul Waugh MP during a session of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on Tuesday, 25th February. The session focused on social media, misinformation, and harmful algorithms.

Waugh cited a recent report by Adalytics, which exposed that Google’s ad networks had placed ads on a website hosting child abuse images. Advertisers were horrified to learn their brands had been displayed alongside such content, with many saying they had no control over where their ads appeared.

Storey admitted that the ads in question had generated revenue, but downplayed the amount, stating it was “in the order of $2 to $3.” However, Waugh was unsatisfied, emphasizing that any financial gain from such content was unacceptable. “Even if it is just $2 or $3 on a sickening child abuse website, that’s appalling,” he said. “Can you guarantee Google does not profit from such websites?”

Storey attempted to reassure the panel, pointing to Google’s policies and enforcement efforts. She highlighted that Google uses sophisticated detection technology, including its Child Safety API, and provides millions of reports to the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). However, she did not deny that ad revenue had been generated from such content.

Waugh pressed further, arguing that Google cannot guarantee it does not profit from child abuse images, misinformation, or hate speech. Storey responded by insisting Google undergoes third-party audits and is constantly improving its enforcement mechanisms. Still, she admitted that no system is infallible.

The exchange took another dramatic turn when Waugh chastised Storey for her use of the term “post-mortem” when referring to Google’s internal review of a recent case. He pointed out the insensitivity of the term given the actual post-mortems conducted after the Southport attacks. Storey apologized immediately.

This revelation has intensified scrutiny on Google’s role in online safety.