AdSense policy change log

Google announces updates to our policies and restrictions for AdSense on this change log. Publishers are required to keep abreast of changes to policies and be in compliance with them at all times.

Updates to policies for Ad intents, Related search for Auto ads, and Related search for content pages (November 2024)

On 15 November 2024, Google will make updates to the following AdSense for Search (AFS) features:

1. Related search for Auto ads, which is currently a format under Auto ads, will become an AFS Product-Integrated Feature (PIF).
2. Related search for content pages, which is currently an AFS Alternative Search Query, will become an AFS PIF.
3. Following these updates, the following types of AFS PIFs are available: Ad intents, Related search for Auto ads, Related search for content pages.

Consequently, the following AFS policies will be amended to reflect the updates:

1. Policies relating to Related Search for non-search results pages with unique or original content will be removed from the Google Custom Search Ads Policy: Alternative Search Queries.
   • Policies relating to Related Search for search results pages will remain unchanged, and will be renamed as "Related Search for search results pages".
2. The Custom Search Ads policies will be updated to clarify that CSA may only be used on search results pages that were returned from clear user search intent coming from one of three sources:
   • A search query entered and submitted directly by a user into a search box without editing, modification or filtering. The search box may not be pre-populated with search terms, and publishers may not create links containing pre-populated search terms.
   • An AdSense for Search product-integrated feature, as defined by and compliant with Google’s AdSense for Search Product-Integrated Feature policies.
   • An Alternative Search Query, as defined by and compliant with Google’s Alternative Search Query Policies.
3. The AdSense for Search Product-Integrated Feature policies will be updated to include new requirements for Ad intents, Related search for Auto ads and Related search for content pages, and are as follows:

   Common PIF Policies Usage of AFS PIFs are subject to the following: You must not place AFS PIFs on properties with content that does not comply with the Google Publisher Policies. In addition, Google may not return ads on properties with content restricted in the Google Publisher Restrictions. For avoidance of doubt: The Google Publisher Policies and Google Publisher Restrictions apply to all content on properties displaying PIFs regardless of whether there are "Google-served ads" (as referenced and defined under the Google Publisher Policies and Google Publisher Restrictions) present on the content. The Google Publisher Policies apply to all monetization of content with Google ad code, including PIF. "Advertising sources" in the Google Publisher Restrictions include "ads" defined under these policies. For clarity, usage of the AFS PIFs must comply with all policies applicable to your use of AFS, such as the Google AdSense Program policies, AdSense for Search (AFS) policies, the Google Program Guidelines, or any other applicable program policies. You must not edit, modify or filter PIF elements except via Auto ads settings and related search settings available in your AdSense account. You must not place AFS PIFs in a manner that encourages accidental clicks, or otherwise relies on deceptive implementation methods or draws unnatural attention to encourage users towards engagement (e.g., misleading text or elements to interact with the PIF, such as "click here to access the best offer", or PIF designs that are the focal point of the content). In addition to these common policies, specific PIFs have their own additional policies as outlined below. Related search for content pages In addition to the Common PIF Policies, usage of Related search for content pages must comply with the following policies. For avoidance of doubt, "Related search" mentioned below refers to Related search for content pages. General If your use of AFS is governed by the Google AdSense Online Terms of Service, Related search may only be placed on Search ads enabled sites or apps. Each user click on Related search terms must resolve to a search results page on your site with results relevant to the search term. Related search terms that are sent in the ad request must be exactly what the user indicated. When a user clicks on a term presented to them in a Related search unit (such as "flower bouquet"), the resulting request sent to Google must be the exact term the user clicked on (in this example "flower bouquet", not "flowers" or "flower bouquet delivery"). Partner-provided terms "Partner-provided terms" are your suggestions to supplement search terms generated by Google for your Related search unit, provided via the terms parameter in the Related search request. Google may or may not use these terms at Google's sole discretion. Partner-provided terms must comply with the following policies: The suggestions must not contain any content that is prohibited under the Google Publisher Policies. In addition, Google may not return ads if the suggestions contain content restricted in the Google Publisher Restrictions. The suggestions must be designed to suggest the most relevant search queries, and must not be designed to generate particular ads (e.g., ads that yield a high cost per click) or otherwise artificially inflate impressions, clicks and/or conversions. You must ensure that the suggestions are not designed to target specific users, or a group of users based on affinity or other shared attributes (e.g., demographics). For avoidance of doubt, the suggestions may: Include information related to affinity or other attributes that are solely and evidently derived from the content of the page; or Contain terms in the same language as the user’s original search query. In addition, Partner-provided terms will not be considered by Google when the following conditions are not met:  Cached content signals are unavailable for a page (e.g., a page has not been crawled and logged by Google’s systems), except when a page has been submitted via the ignoredPageParams. If you are acquiring traffic for your page displaying a Related search unit and you have not passed the "ad creative text" verbatim with the referrerAdCreative parameter in the Related search request. Acquiring traffic If you are acquiring traffic for your page displaying a Related search unit (meaning, a user arrives at a destination page displaying a Related search unit by clicking an ad or a link on another site (each a "Traffic source")), you must comply with the following policies: Traffic sources must be relevant to, and accurately describe, what the user will see on the destination page. Traffic sources must not promise products, services, or promotional offers that are unavailable or are not easily found on the destination page (e.g., requiring extensive navigation to view the offer), and must not provide misleading information or claims about products, services, or promotional offers. You must ensure that each destination page is substantially the same as a page that would be displayed to a user arriving on the page through organic means (i.e., when a user has not arrived on the page through a Traffic source). You are responsible for any Traffic sources, including any ad network or affiliate you work with.

Additionally, we will update the name of "Custom Search Ads" to "Search ads" in the following policies:

1. AdSense for Search (AFS) policies
2. Custom Search Ads policies
3. Google Custom Search Ads Policy: Alternative Search Queries

(Posted October 2024)

Moving the Policies for video inventory to the Google Publisher Restrictions (September 2024)

On 23 September 2024, Google will move the existing Policies for video inventory from the Google Publisher Policies to the Google Publisher Restrictions as Video inventory restrictions. Video inventory that contains content restricted in the Video inventory restrictions may receive less advertising than other, non-restricted content.

Please note that Google Ads and non-direct Ad Manager transactions (i.e., private auction and open auction) will continue not to serve on any video inventory containing content restricted in the Video inventory restrictions, but such inventory may receive ads from other advertising products or via the use of direct Ad Manager deals between publishers and advertisers (i.e., traditional reservations, preferred deals and programmatic guaranteed).

In addition, we will also make editorial updates to the following sections of the Video inventory restrictions for better clarity and readability. These editorial updates do not change the scope of the requirements.

1. Video inventory controls (for example, play, pause, mute, skip, or dismiss), and ad content or controls where provided, must not be obstructed, hidden, or non-functional.
   • For clarity, video inventory controls or ad controls that are activated or displayed only as a result of a single user action (for example, scrolling, hovering over, tapping or swiping the screen) are not considered as obstructed, hidden, or non-functional.
2. For In-stream or Accompanying Content placements that transition to a sticky placement, the video player must start in the main content and only transition as a user scrolls the video player off the page.

(Posted August 2024)

Update to monetization in Russia (August 2024)

Due to ongoing developments in Russia, we are pausing the ability of Russia-based publishers to monetize with AdSense, AdMob, and Ad Manager.

(Posted August 2024)

Update to the AdSense Program policies (August 2024)

In August 2024, Google will replace the Ads on dynamic content policy with a new "Ads in private communications" policy. This change will provide clarity to publishers by explaining that ads are prohibited on screens where the primary focus is a private communication like direct messages, live chats, video-chats, and private chatrooms. These updates are part of our ongoing efforts to clarify our policies for readability and transparency.

(Posted July 2024)

Updates to the EU User Consent policy (July 2024)

From July 31, 2024 Google will expand the scope of the EU User Consent Policy to apply to users in Switzerland. Customers using Google advertising products will be required to obtain Swiss users’ consent to the use of cookies or other local storage, where legally required; and the collection, sharing and use of personal data for personalization of ads. This is in addition to existing requirements for European Economic Area (EEA) and UK users.

(Posted April 2024)

Updates to the AdSense for Search policies (March 2024)

On 27 March 2024, Google will make the following updates to the AdSense for Search (AFS) policies:

1. Clarify that queries may originate from clear user search intent coming from one of three sources:
   • A search query entered and submitted directly by a user into a search box without editing, modification or filtering. The search box may not be pre-populated with search terms, and publishers may not create links containing pre-populated search terms.
   • An AdSense for Search Product-Integrated Feature, as defined by and compliant with Google’s AdSense for Search Product-Integrated Feature policies.
   • An Alternative Search Query on your Custom Search Ads enabled sites or apps, as defined by and compliant with Google’s Alternative Search Query policies.
2. Make editorial updates for better clarity and readability. These editorial updates do not change the scope of the policies.

We will also introduce new policies for Google’s AdSense for Search Product-Integrated Features to clarify that:

1. The following type of AFS Product-Integrated Features is currently available: ad intents
2. Usage of the AFS Product-Integrated Features must comply with the AdSense for Search (AFS) policies.
3. You may not place AFS Product-Integrated Features on content that does not comply with the Google AdSense Program policies, including but not limited to the Google Publisher Policies.

(Posted on March, 2024)

Updates to the AdSense Program policies (February 2024)

On 9 February 2024, Google will introduce a new Sensitive Events policy into the AdSense Program Policies.

A "Sensitive Event" is an unforeseen event or development that creates significant risk to Google's ability to provide high quality, relevant information and ground truth, and reduce insensitive or exploitative content in prominent and monetized features. During a Sensitive Event, we may take a variety of actions to address these risks.

(Posted January 2024)

Updating the Video publisher policy to become a Google Publisher Policy (April 2024)

On 1 April 2024 Google will update the Video publisher policy, currently applicable to AdSense and Ad Manager, to apply to all video inventory including AdMob, under the Google Publisher Policies. This expansion of coverage is intended to streamline the policies across Google products, as well as to keep pace with current industry standards (e.g., IAB OpenRTB).

For more details about the reasons behind the new video publisher policies and an outline of the key changes, visit Updates to video publisher policy in 2024.

The updated Policies will apply to AdSense, Ad Manager and AdMob video inventory monetized with Google ad code ("Video Inventory"), and are as follows:

Accurately describe inventory

1. Video Inventory must provide declarations with accurate signals (for Ad Manager, see VAST ad tag URL parameters), including:
   • Audibility of ad placement: Audible by default or muted (for Ad Manager, see vpmute parameter).
   • Type of ad placement: Video ads serving into video players with video content must be accurately declared as either "In-stream" or "Accompanying Content" placements (for Ad Manager, see plcmt parameter). Video ads serving into non-video player placements do not require declarations, and will be automatically determined by Google based on inventory format as either "Interstitial" or "Standalone" placements.
     • "In-stream" means a video or audio ad played within the stream of video or audio content, where the video or audio content is the focus of the user's visit or explicitly requested by the user.

       Example: A video ad that is played before, in the middle of, or after the stream of a user-requested video content.

     • "Accompanying Content" means a video ad played within the stream of video content accompanying the main content of the user’s visit, where the video content is neither the focus of the user’s visit nor explicitly requested by the user. Accompanying Content placements must load within the body of the page, and muted by default.

       Example: A video ad that is played before, in the middle of, or after the stream of muted video content that takes up a small portion of a primarily editorial page.

     • "Interstitial" means a video ad played without the presence of any other streaming video content in a transition between content, where the video ad is the primary focus of the page and takes up the majority of the viewport.

       Example: A video ad that is independent of any other streaming video content, and that is placed in full view in a natural break or transition between content.

     • "Standalone" means a video ad played without the presence of any other streaming video content, where the video ad is not the focus of the page.

       Example: A video ad that is independent of any other streaming video content, and that is placed in a banner at the right rail of an article page.

Use supported implementations

2. In-stream or Accompanying Content placements must use the Google Interactive Media Ads SDK or Google Programmatic Access Library on supported platforms, unless through an official Google Beta program.
   • Partners and publishers cannot use Interactive Media Ads products to monetize YouTube content. For YouTube content, partners and publishers must monetize through the YouTube Partner Program.
3. Interstitial or Standalone placements must use Google-provided solutions: on web: Google Publisher Tags; in app: the Google Mobile Ads SDK (for Ad Manager; for AdMob).
   • The Google Interactive Media Ads SDK is not allowed for Interstitial or Standalone placements, except for placements in games.

Protect advertiser value

4. Video Inventory content or controls (for example, play, pause, mute, skip, or dismiss), including ad content or controls where provided, must not be obstructed, hidden, or non-functional.
5. For In-stream placements, audio ads must not be requested or served in muted placements.

Respect the user

6. Video Inventory may autoplay, provided that:
   • Only one Video Inventory across all placement types may autoplay with sound at any time.
     • Additionally for In-stream or Accompanying Content placements, only one video player may autoplay in view at any time.
   • The ad must not autoplay until at least 50% of the ad unit is visible.
7. Video Inventory may be sticky, provided that:
   • A dismiss option is presented for the entire duration of the video or ad content. This option must not be hidden, obstructed, or non-functional.
   • For In-stream or Accompanying Content placements, the video player must start in the main content and only transition to a sticky placement as a user scrolls the video player off the page.

Additionally for Ad Manager, the terms "instream" or "in-stream" in Help Center pages and in-product controls refer to both "In-stream" and "Accompanying Content" as defined in the updated Policies. Ad Manager Video Inventory that are "In-stream" or "Accompanying Content" per the updated Policies must adhere to the respective requirements in the Policies.

The updated Policies will take effect on 1 April 2024. Please review the updated Policies to determine if it affects your Video Inventory. If your Video Inventory was previously disapproved but you believe they should no longer be disapproved following the update, you may request a review or appeal on or after 1 April 2024.

More information on requesting a review or appeal can be found below:

• For AdSense: Request a review
• For AdMob: AdMob policy violation: Disabled app(s) or account
• For Ad Manager: Request a review

(Posted November 2023)

Update to Video publisher policy (November 2023)

On 7 November 2023, Google will update the Video publisher policy to allow non-in-stream ads to be placed in sticky implementations (i.e., non-in-stream ads that remain in a fixed location on the screen).

[Posted October 2023]

Update to Rewarded inventory policy (October 2023)

On 31 October 2023, Google will update the Rewarded inventory policy to become Policies for ad units that offer rewards. Under the updated policies, we allow indirect or non-monetary items to be offered as rewards provided that:

1. The reward is only redeemable and usable for an item or service within the publisher’s platform, website or app;
2. The reward is non-transferable; and
3. Rewards that are a discount or voucher for physical items must not exceed 25% of the item’s total value.

Direct monetary items remain disallowed as rewards under any circumstance.

For the purposes of the updated policies:

• "Direct monetary items" mean any form of legal tender, or other modes of payment that can be used directly to purchase goods or services in the real world.

  Examples: Cash, cryptocurrency, gift card

• "Indirect or non-monetary items" mean anything with monetary value but which is not a direct mode of payment in the real world, or anything that does not have monetary value in the real world.

  Examples: Discounts, loyalty rewards or points, product free shipping, product or service free trial, game character extra life, game character skin

• "Non-transferable" means a reward that is only redeemable and usable by the same user who received it, and is not directly convertible into direct monetary items or items that can be transferred to a third party.

  Examples: A discount code, loyalty points or a game item that is only redeemable and usable by a specific user through their logged-in account, and cannot be directly converted into cash or used to purchase any item that can be transferred to another person

In addition to the above, we will also make editorial updates to the policies for better clarity and readability. These editorial updates do not change the scope of the policies.

Please review the updated policies to determine if it affects your ad units that offer rewards. If your ad units that offer rewards were previously disapproved but you believe they should no longer be disapproved following the update, you may request a review or appeal on or after 31 October 2023.

Learn more about requesting a review or appeal.

(Posted October 2023)

Update to Google’s approach to data transfers (September 2023)

Google is certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (“EU-U.S. DPF”) and from 1 September 2023 adopted the EU-U.S. DPF as an alternative transfer solution to transfer EEA personal data to the U.S.

(Posted September 2023)

Update to Google Publisher Restrictions for Shocking content (August 2023)

On 30 August 2023, Google will update Shocking content in the Google Publisher Restrictions to include an exception for gameplay imagery. In the context of gameplay imagery, content is only considered to "contain gruesome, graphic, or disgusting accounts or imagery" or "depict acts of violence" if it depicts acts of torture, sexual violence, violence against minors, violence against prominent real-name persons, or violence against an individual or group on the basis of a characteristic that is associated with systemic discrimination or marginalization.

Please review the update to determine if it affects your site or app. If your site or app received restricted ad serving previously due to Shocking content but you believe ad serving should no longer be restricted following the update, you may request a review or appeal of your site or app on or after 30 August 2023.

More information on requesting a review or appeal can be found below:

• For AdSense: Request a review
• For AdMob: AdMob policy violation: Disabled app(s) or account
• For Ad Manager: Request a review

(Posted July 2023)

Updates to AdSense for Search and Custom Search Ads Policies (March 2023)

Google will update the following policies in March 2023 to better clarify: (a) the application of the policies for Google-provided services vs non Google-provided services; and (b) the corrective action(s) on Google-provided services in case of non-compliance with the policies.

1. AdSense for Search (AFS) policies
2. Custom Search Ads policies
3. Google Custom Search Ads Policy: Alternative Search Queries

These updates are part of our ongoing efforts to clarify our policies for readability and transparency. There is no change to the scope of the policies or the way that the policies are enforced. No action is required by publishers as a result of these updates.

(Posted March 2023)

Google Publisher Policies (January 2023)

In January 2023, Google will update the Google Publisher Policies by bringing our existing Malware and Unwanted software policy into the Google Publisher Policies: Requirements and other standards as part of our continued efforts to simplify and streamline our policies.

In recent months, Google has also made the following two updates to the Google Publisher Policies:

• The AdSense Program policies and AdMob Program policies have been updated to include information about the new WebView API for ads which enables proper support of web display ads in apps.
• The Webmaster Guidelines have been replaced with the Spam policies for Google web search. As a result, references to the Webmaster Guidelines have been updated. Publishers should review the Spam policies for Google web search.

(Posted December 2022)

Update to technical requirements for web content viewing frames for apps (May 2022)

In May 2022, the technical requirements for web content viewing frames for apps were updated (AdSense policy, Ad Manager policy). App developers who want to monetize by publishing AdSense and Ad Manager display ads can use any of the existing options or use the new WebView API for Ads option. Learn more in the developer documentation for Android and iOS.

(Posted May 2022)

Update regarding Ukraine (March 2022)

Due to the war in Ukraine, we will pause monetization of content that exploits, dismisses, or condones the war. 

(Posted March 23, 2022)

Update to Russian Federation State-Funded Media Monetization (February 2022)

In light of the war in Ukraine, we are pausing Google’s monetization of Russian Federation state-funded media. 

We will continue to actively monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.

This is effective immediately. 

(Posted February 2022)

Update to US Office of Foreign Asset Control Sanctions List (February 2022)

The Google Publisher Policies Sanctions compliance list has been updated to reflect the addition of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) in order to comply with the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This addition is effective immediately. 

The country restriction pages for AdMob, AdSense, and Ad Manager have also been updated to reflect this change. 

(Posted February 2022)

Update to Misrepresentative content policy for Unreliable and harmful claims (October 2021)

In November 2021, the Google Publisher Policy for Misrepresentative content: Unreliable and harmful claims will be updated to include a new policy prohibiting content that promotes claims about climate change that run contrary to authoritative scientific consensus. We will begin enforcing the policy update after November 8, 2021.

(Posted October 2021)

Simplifying and standardizing our policies (September 2021)

As part of continuing efforts to simplify and streamline our policies for publishers and in conjunction with our September 2021 changes for behavioral policies, we’re launching a new Publisher Policies Help Center. This new Help Center will bring our publishers an easy way to access our policies and to make it easy to understand how they affect you, no matter which products you use.

You will still be able to view Google Publisher Policies and Google Publisher Restrictions on the AdMob, AdSense, and Ad Manager Help Centers. Over time, we will be migrating and consolidating the Publisher policies and restrictions into the new Publisher Policies Help Center.

In addition to the policies and restrictions, the Publisher Policies Help Center includes a glossary defining the most common terms used in policy language and special pages for each policy and restriction with additional explanatory material to help clarify the policy language.

(Posted September 2021)

Update to Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) (October 2021)

In October 2021, the Google Publisher Policy relating to Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) will be updated due to Google implementing the European Commission's updated SCCs.

(Posted September 2021)

Simplifying and standardizing our behavioral policies (August 2021)

In September 2021, as part of our continued efforts to simplify and streamline our policies for publishers, the Google Publisher Policies and Publisher Restrictions will be updated to include aligned versions of some of our existing behavioral policies (meaning those policies/restrictions which dictate how ads are implemented). These aligned versions consolidate versions of policies that we have had across AdSense, AdMob, and Ad Manager and include: Ads Interfering, Inventory Value, and Industry Standards (a collection of existing standards we require our publishers to comply with).

In September 2019, we launched changes to our content policies across our publisher products that introduced the Google Publisher Policies and the Google Publisher Restrictions. This update is a continuation of that ongoing effort.

As an additional part of this update, we will also launch two new policies: compliance with the Coalition for Better Ads’ Better Ads Standards and a policy for Dishonest Declarations.

We want to bring our publishers an easy way to access our policies and to make it easy to understand how they affect you, no matter which products you use, which is why we are also launching a revamped version of our Policy Help Center.

Please note that these policies and restrictions will apply in addition to any other policies governing your use of Google publisher products.

(Posted August 2021)

Update to Google Publisher Policies for Animal cruelty (August 2021)

In August 2021, the Google Publisher Policy for Endangered or threatened species will be updated to clarify that we prohibit content that promotes cruelty or gratuitous violence towards animals. This update will consolidate the Endangered or threatened species and the Animal cruelty policy under a new Animal cruelty topic.

(Posted July, 2021)

Update to Misrepresentative content policy (May 2021)

In May 2021, the Google Publisher Policy for Misrepresentative content will be updated to better organize the topics within the policy. Additionally, two policies previously listed under Dangerous or Derogatory Content will be moved to Misrepresentative content. The two policies, which prohibit (1) content promoting harmful health claims, and (2) content that relates to a current, major health crisis and contradicts authoritative scientific consensus, will be moved from the Dangerous or Derogatory content section to the (new) Unreliable claims section of Misrepresentative content.

These changes are being undertaken to improve readability and understanding and do not impact what is currently restricted or prohibited per our policies.

(Posted April 2021)

Update to US Office of Foreign Asset Control Sanctions List (February 2021)

In February 2021, the Understanding AdSense country restrictions page will be updated to reflect the removal of Sudan from the US Office of Foreign Asset Control sanctions list. This update will take effect on February 24, 2021.

Due to this change, Google AdSense will be available for publishers in Sudan. 

(Posted February 2021)

Update to Google Publisher Policy for Sexually explicit content (February 2021)

In February 2021, the Google Publisher Policies will be updated. Content that may be interpreted as promoting a sexual act in exchange for compensation will become its own category named "Compensated sexual acts". Additionally, we will update the examples listed (prostitution, companionship and escort services, intimate massage, cuddling sites) to clearly prohibit promotion of compensated dating or sexual arrangements where one participant is expected to provide money, gifts, financial support, mentorship, or other valuable benefits to another participant such as "Sugar" dating.

(Posted December 2020)

Update to Google Publisher Policies (September 2020)

In September 2020, the Google Publisher Policies will be updated to prohibit monetization of web pages, sites or apps that are not primarily in one of our supported languages, or that do not contain content. From September 15, 2020, we will not allow new sites to be monetized using AdSense, Ad Manager or AdMob in unsupported languages or where they do not contain content.

(Posted August 2020)

Update to Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) (August 2020)

Starting August 12, 2020, Google will rely on the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for transfers of online advertising and measurement personal data out of the European Economic Area, the UK, or Switzerland. For Processor Services, Google is updating the Google Ads Data Processing Terms to include the SCCs for transfers of personal data to processors established in third countries. For Controller Services, Google is updating the Google Ads Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms to include the SCCs for transfers of personal data to controllers established in third countries. Where there is a relevant transfer of personal data, the SCCs incorporated into Partner’s contract with Google will apply.

(Posted August 2020)

Update to Google Publisher Policies for Misrepresentative content (September 2020)

In September 2020,  the Google Publisher Policies for Misrepresentative content will be updated to prohibit coordinating with other sites or accounts and concealing or misrepresenting your identity or other material details about yourself, where your content relates to politics, social issues, or matters of public concern. We will begin enforcing this policy on September 1, 2020 in the United States and on October 1, 2020 in all other countries. 

We take violations of this policy very seriously and consider them egregious. If we find violations of this policy, we will suspend your accounts upon detection and without prior warning.

(Posted July 2020)

Update to Dangerous or derogatory content (August 2020)

In August 2020, the Google Publisher Policies for Dangerous or derogatory content will be updated to prohibit content that relates to a current, major health crisis and contradicts authoritative, scientific consensus.

(Posted July 2020)

Update to Google Publisher Policy for Enabling Dishonest Behavior (August 2020)

In August 2020, the Google Publisher Policies for Enabling Dishonest Behavior will be updated to clarify restrictions on advertising or monetizing content that promotes spyware and surveillance technology. The updated policy will prohibit the promotion or monetization of content that enables a user, or promotes products and services that enable a user, to track or monitor another person or their activities without their authorization. This policy will apply globally.

Examples of products and services that will be prohibited (non-exhaustive)

Spyware and technology used for intimate partner surveillance including but not limited to spyware/malware that can be used to monitor texts, phone calls, or browsing history; GPS trackers specifically marketed to spy or track someone without their consent; promotion of surveillance equipment (cameras, audio recorders, dash cams, nanny cams) marketed with the express purpose of spying.

This does not include (a) private investigation services or (b) products or services designed for parents to track or monitor their underage children.

(Posted July 2020)

Update to Google Publisher Policies (August 2020)

In August 2020, the Google Publisher Policies will be updated to standardize the existing policies across our publisher products pertaining to child sexual abuse and exploitation.

In addition, we will also be making some editorial changes to our policy language. All mentions of "interest-based advertising" will be replaced with "personalized advertising" and our Privacy related policy for compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act will be updated.

(Posted July 2020)

Update to Google Publisher Policy for Misrepresentative content (March 2020)

In March 2020, the Google Publisher Policy for Misrepresentative content will be updated. The update is to clarify that we do not allow content that makes claims that are demonstrably false and could significantly undermine participation or trust in an electoral or democratic process.

Additionally, the update will also make clear that we do not allow content that deceives users through manipulated media related to politics, social issues, or matters of public concern.

(Posted February 2020)

Update to Google Publisher Policies (April 2020)

In April 2020, the Google Publisher Policies will be updated to standardize the existing policies across our publisher products pertaining to personally identifiable information, data collection, disclosure and user consent. As part of this, we will update our policy to require more explicit forms of notice before users grant permission to share device location for advertising purposes.

(Posted February 2020)

Update to Google Publisher Restrictions: Online gambling (January 2020)

In January 2020, the Google Publisher Restriction for gambling will be updated to clarify what we consider to be "online gambling."

(Posted December 2019)

Update to ad placement policies: Ads on pages behind a login (November 2019)

In December 2019, the Google AdSense Program policy for Ads on pages behind a login will be updated to clarify how we handle requests to monetize content that we cannot evaluate.

(Posted November 2019)

Update to Google Publisher Policies: Dangerous or derogatory content (November 2019)

In December 2019, the Google Publisher Policy for Dangerous or derogatory content will be updated.

It will include content made by or in support of transnational drug trafficking organizations.

(Posted November 2019)

Simplifying and standardizing our content policies (September 2019)

In September 2019, we’re launching changes to some of our content policies across our publisher products (AdSense, AdMob, and Ad Manager).

Please note that going forward, Google will be announcing updates to our policies and restrictions for AdSense on this change log. Publishers are required to keep abreast of changes to policies and be in compliance with them at all times.

Why we’re making these changes

One of the top requests we hear from publishers is that they want us to simplify and streamline our policies. We know that many of you use several of our publisher products and we want to bring you a clear and easy way to understand how to interact with our policies and how they affect you, no matter which products you use.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Google Publisher Policies, which outline the types of content we won’t monetize through any of our publisher products. These include: Illegal Content, Child Sexual Abuse Material & Pedophilia, Sexually Explicit Content, Adult Themes in Family Content, Intellectual Property Abuse, Endangered or Threatened Species, Dangerous or Derogatory Content, Enabling Dishonest Behavior, Misrepresentative Content, Malicious or Unwanted Software, and Mail Order Brides​.
• Google Publisher Restrictions, which outline the types of content which will receive restricted sources of advertising. These include: Sexual Content, Shocking Content, Explosives, Guns, Gun Parts & Related Products, Other Weapons, Tobacco, Recreational Drugs, Alcohol Sales and Misuse, Online Gambling, Prescription Drugs, and Unapproved Pharmaceuticals and Supplements. Google Ads (formerly AdWords) will continue not to serve on any of this restricted content; it will only receive ads from other advertising products or via the use of direct deals between publishers and advertisers.
• Alignment across our publisher products, bringing simplicity, consistency, and ease of understanding, regardless of the product(s) you choose to use.

What it means for you as an AdSense publisher

Monetizing content that falls under the Google Publisher Restrictions will no longer be a policy violation; instead, we will restrict advertising on that content as appropriate, based on the preferences of each advertising product and/or advertisers’ individual preferences. In some cases this will mean that no advertising sources are bidding on your inventory and no ads will appear on this restricted content. So while you can choose to monetize content covered by the Google Publisher Restrictions, doing so will mean you will likely receive less advertising on this restricted content than you would receive on other, nonrestricted content.

Content that falls under the Google Publisher Policies is not allowed to be monetized and you should not place ads against that content. Attempting to monetize policy-violating content may result in your account(s) being suspended or terminated.

Please note that these policies and restrictions will apply in addition to any other policies governing your use of Google publisher products.

What you need to do

Nothing at this time. The Help Center and Policy Center will be updated in September 2019 when this takes effect with the full breakdown of policies and restrictions. At that time, please review the updated policies and restrictions and ensure that your content is in compliance.

(Posted August 2019)