The practice is likely to generate tens of thousands of pounds a month for extremists. Major brands, charities and universities including Marie Curie, Mercedes-Benz and Waitrose, have been unintentionally funding terrorist and racist groups, as well as pornographers, by advertising on their websites. The ads appeared on sites and videos created by groups including Islamic State and pro-Nazi organisation Combat 18. A spokesman for the Advertising Standards Authority said it had received more than 100 complaints about adverts appearing on YouTube that promoted extremist or hate groups.
Major brands, charities and universities including Marie Curie, Mercedes-Benz and Waitrose, have been unintentionally funding terrorist and racist groups, as well as pornographers, by advertising on their websites. The ads appeared on sites and videos created by groups including Islamic State and pro-Nazi organisation Combat 18. A spokesman for the Advertising Standards Authority said it had received more than 100 complaints about adverts appearing on YouTube that promoted extremist or hate groups.