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We take legal requirements and the safety of users very seriously, so advertiser actions that put our users, Google, or our partners at risk can lead to an account suspension, which is a ban from using Google Ads. This is essential for us to maintain a healthy and sustainable digital advertising ecosystem with user protection at its core.
Why we suspend accounts
Google Ads policies and Terms & Conditions help create a safe and positive experience for users and advertisers. Accounts may be suspended if we find violations of our policies or the Terms & Conditions.
If we detect an egregious policy violation (defined below) your account will be suspended immediately and without prior warning.
For other policy violations that lead to account suspension, we will send you a warning to outline the nature of the policy violation and any remedial action that can be taken, in order to comply. This notification will be sent at least 7 days prior to suspension action.
What is an egregious violation?
An egregious violation of the Google Ads policies is a violation so serious that it is unlawful or poses significant harm to our users or our digital advertising ecosystem. Egregious violations often reflect that the advertiser's overall business does not adhere to Google Ads policies or that one violation is so severe that we cannot risk future exposure to our users. Given that egregious violations will result in immediate account suspension, upon detection and without prior warning, we limit these to cases when such action is the only effective method to adequately prevent illegal activity and/or significant user harm.
How does Google Ads detect policy violations?
We use both automated and human evaluation to detect violations of Google Ads policies. We review information from a variety of sources, including your ads, accounts and content, user complaints, consumer reviews, regulatory warnings and rulings.
What happens if an egregious violation is detected?
If we detect an egregious violation, we will suspend your Google Ads accounts immediately and without prior warning. You will not be allowed to advertise with us again.
Which policies are considered to be egregious?
Coordinated deceptive practices
Promotion of unauthorized pharmacies
Are there any other policy violations that can lead to an account suspension?
Yes. Violations of any Google Ads policy can lead to an account suspension. If an advertiser violates a Google Ads advertising policy we will send a warning to outline the nature of the policy violation and any remedial action that can be taken, in order to comply. At that time, the advertiser will be given an opportunity to remedy the violation or, if they do not believe they have violated the policy, explain why they do not believe they are in violation of the policy. This notification will be sent at least 7 days prior to suspension action.
Can repeated violations of a policy lead to account suspension?
Yes. Repeated violations of any Google Ads policy can lead to an account suspension. If an advertiser repeatedly violates a Google Ads advertising policy we will send a warning to outline the nature of the policy violations and any remedial action that can be taken, in order to comply. At that time, the advertiser will be given an opportunity to remedy the violations or, if they do not believe they have violated the policy, explain why they do not believe they are in violation of the policy. This notification will be sent at least 7 days prior to suspension action.
Are there any other non policy reasons that can lead to an account suspension?
Yes. You can learn more of other reasons for account suspensions here.
How will an advertiser be notified of a suspension?
Advertisers whose accounts are suspended will receive an in-account notification, as well as an email notification. The email notification will identify all policies the advertiser has been suspended for violating and a link to submit an appeal.
Can an account suspension be appealed?
Yes. If you believe there’s been an error, and that you haven’t violated our policies, please submit an appeal. You can do this by navigating to the "Contact Us" link, which will direct you to the appeal form on the right side of your screen within your Google Ads account. While you complete the form, relevant policy information will appear to help you understand the reason for the suspension and the appeal process. If you select “Contact Us” again while your appeal is still being processed, your Ads account will have an “Appeal pending” status. Once your appeal is reviewed, you will receive an email with the outcome. If your appeal is rejected, you can re-appeal following the same process that is outlined above.
Certain advertisers may see an option to start advertiser verification to prioritize their appeal for account suspension. Advertisers can still submit their appeal without verification if they choose.
We only reinstate accounts in compelling circumstances,such as in the case of a mistake,so it's important that you take the time to be thorough, accurate, and honest.
Can a suspended advertiser set up or use other accounts?
No. Accounts related to the suspended account (for example, accounts using the same email or payment method, or accounts linked to the same manager account) will be suspended. We take the safety of users very seriously, so advertiser actions that put our users, Google, or our partners at risk result in a ban from using Google Ads. In addition any new accounts that the advertiser tries to create will be suspended.
Can an advertiser access their suspended accounts?
Suspended accounts cannot run any ads. Advertisers can, however, still access their suspended accounts and any associated reports.
How to request a refund
If your account was suspended, and you qualify for a refund, you can always cancel your account and receive your refund.
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Remember that this page may be updated over time, so be sure to visit the page on this website for the most up-to-date information on account suspensions.