Google to pause U.S. political ads ahead of presidential inauguration

FILE PHOTO: A Google sign is shown at one of the company's office complexes in Irvine, California, U.S., July 27, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

(Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google will stop selling political ads referencing U.S. elections across its services until at least Jan. 21, following last week's violence at the Capitol, according to an email to advertisers seen by Reuters.

The email said the action was taken "following the unprecedented events of the past week and ahead of the upcoming presidential inauguration," which takes place on Jan. 20.