In a recent update to its shopping ads policy, Google has made changes that could impact e-commerce sites and advertisers managing free listings through Google Merchant Center. The update, effective as of November 2023, specifically targets shopping ads and introduces clarifications to the existing malicious or unwanted software policy. In this post, we’ll delve into the details of the new update, how it may affect you, and what steps you can take to ensure compliance.
Understanding the Existing Policy
The pre-update policy, known as the malicious or unwanted software policy, broadly restricted advertising for websites containing malicious software (malware) or unwanted software. Any compromise of a site’s security, intentional or unintentional, fell under this single umbrella policy.
The New Segmentation
Google is now breaking down the existing policy into three distinct subsections, providing a more nuanced approach to address different issues:
- Malicious Software:
- Google is narrowing the scope of what constitutes malicious software.
- The key addition is the emphasis on intentional distribution, meaning advertisers are flagged only if Google believes they are intentionally providing malicious software through their website or a linked site.
- Compromised Sites:
- Google acknowledges that websites can be compromised without the owner’s knowledge.
- Advertisers with compromised sites will face suspension, but Google recognizes this as more unintentional and provides an avenue for recovery once the security issues are resolved.
- Unwanted Software:
- Google is now separating unwanted software into a distinct category.
- This includes software that, while not necessarily malicious, may be deceptive, trick users into installing, or engage in behaviors that compromise user privacy.
Warning Period
Google has stated that, in theory, it will issue a warning at least seven days before suspending an account. However, the efficacy of this warning system remains to be seen, as Google has sometimes fallen short of such promises in the past.
Implications for Advertisers
While not a massive policy overhaul, this update provides a more detailed understanding of the specific issues Google identifies. Advertisers will benefit from the clarity in pinpointing the nature of the violation, whether intentional or unintentional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent update to Google’s shopping ads policy brings welcome clarification to the existing malicious or unwanted software policy. Advertisers in the e-commerce space should take note of these changes, ensuring that their websites comply with the new guidelines to avoid suspension. For more updates on Google Ads policies and digital advertising insights, consider subscribing to our YouTube channel. We strive to keep advertisers informed about digital advertising trends and Google Ads updates.