Google denies promoting ads on prenatal sex determination

Under attack for allegedly hosting advertisement for pre-natal sex determination in violation of laws, search engine Google on Wednesday said it follows a "strict policy" as per the law and does not post any such ads.

Under attack for allegedly hosting advertisement for pre-natal sex determination in violation of laws, search engine Google today said it follows a "strict policy" as per the law and does not post any such ads.

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"In India, we do not allow ads for the promotion of prenatal gender determination or preconception sex selection. We take applicable legal requirements extremely seriously and take prompt and effective action in case a violation is reported to us," a Google spokesperson said.

Google's statement came in response to a demand in the Rajya Sabha by CPI-M leader Brinda Karat today to arrest the chief of Google India and impose a ban on the site for allegedly hosting advertisements related to pre-natal sex determination in violation of existing laws.

Reacting to the allegations, the company said "The Google advertising program is managed by a set of policies which we develop based on several factors, including legal requirements and user experience."

Under the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act, any entity indulging in sex determination advertisements is liable for imprisonment and fine.