Update to Political content policy (August 2021)

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Google will be updating its Political content policy to disallow political advertising in Ontario during regulated election periods. This change will come into effect in late August 2021.

In Ontario, the following types of ads will be prohibited on Google platforms during a) the 12 months before the writ is issued for a scheduled general election, and b) during an election period as defined by the Ontario Election Finances Act:

 Ads that feature an Ontario political party, leader of an Ontario political party or current member or candidate for member of the legislature of the Province of Ontario.

 Ads that feature an issue with which an Ontario political party, leader of an Ontario political party or current member or candidate for member of the legislature of the Province of Ontario is associated.

Note: This policy does not apply to ads run by news organisations to promote their news coverage of an election. It also does not include ads run by official Ontario government ministries, departments or agencies (e.g., civic participation ads run by Elections Ontario).

Please review this policy update to determine whether or not any of your ads fall in scope of the policy, and if so, remove those ads. Violations of this policy will not lead to immediate account suspension. A warning will be issued at least seven days prior to any suspension of your account.

(Posted in August 2021)