Google has reportedly blocked the use of keywords that include any mention of Ethereum on Google Ads.

Smart contract auditing startup Decenter has flagged that a “hard stop” seems to have been applied to Google Ads containing the word “Ethereum”. Any of its campaigns featuring the word have not been showing up in Google’s ads since January 9.

When initially queried about the possible blacklisting of Ethereum as a keyword, Decenter said Google merely referred them to its policy section on cryptocurrencies, without confirming if the word “Ethereum” has effectively been blocked from triggering ads.

Cointelegraph noted that in 2018, after a long period without regulation, Google’s policy on cryptocurrencies became “significantly stricter” after it banned most crypto-related advertising.

Google’s advertising policy current states that “due to the complex and evolving nature of regulations related to cryptocurrencies and related products and services, we only allow them to be advertised in limited circumstances”.

In addition, Cointelegraph observes that “the precise amount and nature of crypto businesses that have since been allowed to advertise there remains unknown”.

On January 15, Google sent an email to Decenter saying they are examining the case and will respond within 48 hours.