Google updates the Misleading Representation policy

Google this week announced an updated of its Misleading Representation policy to crack down on advertisers who fail to fulfill their promises due to a lack of qualifications.

The change will take effect on November 21, 2023, and will move violations from the Misrepresentation policy to the Unacceptable Business Practices policy, which is more serious and can result in immediate account suspension.

Google says it is taking this step to protect users from being misled and defrauded by advertisers who make claims they cannot back up. The company also says that it wants to ensure that advertisers are qualified to deliver the products and services they offer.

Under the new policy, advertisers will not be allowed to claim that they offer products or services that they cannot provide due to a lack of qualifications. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Making claims about their experience, expertise, or credentials that are not true
• Offering products or services that they do not have the capacity to deliver
• Misrepresenting their ability to meet customer expectations

If Google finds that an advertiser is violating the Unacceptable Business Practices policy, the company will suspend their account without prior warning. Advertisers who believe that their account has been suspended in error can submit an appeal.

Google is encouraging advertisers to review the updated Misleading Representation policy and to make sure that they are in compliance.