Why does Google, Paypal, Ebay and Amazon restrict advertisement of firearms?
As a sporting goods retailer we are seeing a growing trend amongst large companies that provide important services, like online advertising, credit card processing, auction and marketplace management away from offering these services to merchants that engage in legitimate sales of firearms and accessories. Recently, Google suspended our Google Adwords account (pay per click ads) on the grounds that our website contains descriptions of firearms. They cited that this was against their policy.
When asked why they were still displaying ads from Cabelas and BassPro - Google representative said: "let me see how I can answer this.." And when pressed with a question -"Is it a matter of money spent with Google?" responded with "... that's a good guess." So while Google tells you that its policies are based on the principle "Do No Evil" - they are willing to bend the rules apparently if you pay them enough.
Is there a legitimate reason behind banning ads on firearms and firearm accessories?