Google Enhances Policies to Help Manage Ad Network Abuse

Google has announced it is splitting its policies into three distinct ones. The change affects the Shopping Ads and Free Listings Malicious Software Policy. The Merchant Center is advising marketing companies to study Google updates in SEO. Companies should also review the policy changes. This will ensure ads or listings don’t violate the new policies.

The Google Merchant Center is now divided into three separate regulations. These are Malicious Software and Unwanted Software. It also includes Compromised Sites.

The updated policies are now reportedly enforced and have been since October. But complete enforcement of said rules will increase over the next month. The tech giant has confirmed that it will continue to apply the old malware policy. They will continue to do so until the policy rollout is complete. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:

Malicious Software

The latest regulation bans the intentional spreading of dangerous software. This malware often causes unauthorized access to sites. The policy applies to ads and listings. They also cover any software the site or app connects to. This affects even links not promoted via Google Network. It’s considered a serious offense to violate this policy.

Compromised Sites

A compromised site is a destination or site with a hacked code. The site’s code was then hacked to give another party an advantage without the owner’s knowledge. This often harms users. Listings and ads cannot use sites that are already compromised. Sites that violate this will receive a warning before suspension of their account. Google will issue a warning a week before they take action.

Unwanted Software

Google will not allow ads and listings that break their policy on unwanted software. The company will receive a warning one week before the suspension of their account.

Companies should do their due diligence and check the updated policy. They must make sure their ads or listings are not violating them. If they are, Google recommends they’re removed from the feed.