Briefs for Friday

Google is changing its policies next month to restrict advertising for spyware and other unauthorized tracking technology.

The change “will prohibit the promotion of products or services that are marketed or targeted with the express purpose of tracking or monitoring another person or their activities without their authorization,” according to the company.

The policy will prohibit advertisement of spyware and malware “that can be used to monitor texts, phone calls, or browsing history,” according to Google. It will also ban ads for “GPS trackers specifically marketed to spy or track someone without their consent” and of cameras or recorders “marketed with the express purpose of spying.”

Stocks rally behind treatment

U.S. stocks gained Friday as signs that the world could be closer to an effective treatment for COVID-19 blunted concerns that a rising number of cases will curb the global economic recovery.

Banks led the S&P 500 Index higher as the gauge extended its weekly gain to 1.8%. The broader index outperformed the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 on Friday for the first time in almost two weeks. Gilead Sciences Inc. advanced after reporting its remdesivir treatment cut COVID-19 mortality risk by 62%, helping to ease concern about spreading infections.

From wire reports.