Beginning in July, Google will introduce a new policy aimed at conveying more information to users about their advertising. This Ads transparency policy makes use of ad disclosures and the Ads Transparency Center to inform users about key components of any given ad on Google platforms (including Google Search and YouTube). This includes ads by advertisers who’ve been verified, as well as those who have not.
This policy empowers users with the ability to search for ads linked to specific brands and learn the region where the ad was run, the format of the ad, and when the campaign was last run. If the ad resonates with the user, they can like it. If the user feels that they are not in the ad’s targeted demographic, they can block it. If the ad is inappropriate or advertising a dangerous product, users may also report it as being in violation of Google ad policies.
This new policy also requires Google to convey other information to the user, depending on the country they’re in. This includes elements like the ad’s subject matter and total number of recipients.
A Commitment to User Safety
The Ads transparency policy keeps tradition with Google’s commitment to advertising authenticity. In 2018, it began requiring advertisers running election ads to go through a vetting process that showed exactly who paid for the ad. In 2020, they went further and established an advertiser identity verification program, requiring businesses to verify information, including where they were located and what they were selling.
The motive behind the new policy, like the policies before, comes down to user safety. Through transparency, users can better understand what ads are verified by Google (and which ones are not) as well as learn more about brands they’re unfamiliar with. In short, the policy assures users they’re not in the dark regarding the ads they see, ultimately creating a more trustworthy experience.
Need some guidance on Google or anything else? Give us a shout and we’ll be happy to help.