Why Freedom of Speech Does Not Equal Freedom to Monetize [Video]

Amid an organized effort to boycott Facebook for mismanaging hateful and misleading content on its platform, Unilever was one of the first major companies to put a pause on its U.S. social media ad spend. Those measures are in place until the end of 2020.

During Adweek’s NexTech 2020 virtual summit, the British-Dutch CPG manufacturer said the decision is not part of an official movement. Rather, it’s the latest development in an ongoing discussion around brand safety in an evolving media ecosystem.

“The bottom line is it comes [down] to accepting responsibility that free speech does not mean the freedom to monetize,” explained Jennifer Gardner, Unilever’s senior director of media, North America. “Advertisers need to have more visibility on the content that you’re allowing on your platform and why you’re allowing it.”

During her discussion with Adweek deputy brands editor Diana Pearl, Gardner shared her thoughts on transparency, attribution and what it will take for Unilever to resume …

Tags Digital Marketing Strategy, Facebook Advertising, Facebook Marketing, Marketing