Google updates policies on Ads in Private Messaging and Personalized Advertising

Google this month announced updates to its AdSense, Google Ad Manager and AdMob program policies. These updates focus on two key areas: restricting ad placement in private communication channels and standardizing personalized advertising policies across Google's advertising platforms.

No Ads Allowed in Private Messaging Areas

Previously, the Ads on Dynamic Content policy governed ad placement within AdSense and AdMob. Google will replace this policy with a new, more specific "Ads in Private Communications" policy. This new policy explicitly prohibits ads from appearing on user interfaces primarily designed for private communication. This includes features like direct messages, live chat functions, video chat windows, and private chatrooms.

The change aligns with Google Ad Manager Partner Guidelines, which already restrict ad placement within private communication features for publishers using Google Ad Manager to display ads on their websites and apps.

Standardizing Personalized Advertising Policies

The second policy update involves the removal of the Personalized Advertising policy from the AdMob Behavioral Policies section. In its place, Google will introduce a new Personalized Advertising Google Publisher Policy. This new policy will apply to all publishers participating in Google's advertising programs, ensuring consistent enforcement of personalized advertising regulations across AdSense, AdMob, and Google Ad Manager.

While the core principles of personalized advertising are likely to remain unchanged, this move streamlines the policy landscape for publishers who utilize multiple Google advertising platforms.

This update is not expected to require any immediate action from publishers. However, staying informed about these policy changes is essential for maintaining compliance with Google's advertising programs.