Given that an unprecedented amount of votes will likely be counted after the election day on November 3, 2020, we will implement the “Sensitive events" policy under our “Inappropriate content" policy as polls close on Election Day. Based on this policy, we will restrict content which references the candidates, the US elections, or their outcomes.
"Sensitive events" policy under "Inappropriate content"
Google’s sensitive events policy aims to provide a safe advertising ecosystem during critical political events. More specifically this policy covers:
- Ads that potentially profit from or exploit a sensitive event with significant social, cultural, or political impact, such as civil emergencies, natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and related activities, conflict, or mass acts of violence
Examples (non-exhaustive): Appearing to profit from a tragic event with no discernible benefit to users; price gouging or artificially inflating prices that prohibits/restricts access to vital supplies; sale of products or services which may be insufficient for the demand during a sensitive event; using keywords related to a sensitive event to attempt to drive additional traffic
- Ads that claim victims of a sensitive event were responsible for their own tragedy or similar instances of victim blaming; ads that claim victims of a sensitive event are not deserving of remedy or support
Examples (non-exhaustive): Ads which claim victims from certain countries were responsible or deserving of a global public health crisis
Restricting content which make explicit references to the election, its process, or its outcome
We are enforcing a temporary restriction on Shopping ads that reference the US elections. While this policy is in place, merchants will not be able to run Shopping ads referencing the candidates, the election, or its outcomes.
Examples: Shopping ads that make references to presidential candidates or key components of the electoral process such as mail-in ballots, vote counts and others.
FAQs
How are Shopping ads listings impacted as a result of the "Sensitive events" policy launching on November 3, 2020?
Shopping ads that are marketed around the US elections, the candidates, or its outcome will be disapproved. Shopping ads policies prohibit the promotion and monetization of products that capitalize on sensitive events. Non-compliant Shopping ads may be enforced for Sensitive Events Policy violation.
How can I report a Shopping ad that violates this policy?
If you notice any ads on Shopping that do not meet our Shopping ads policies, please report the ad through our "Report a violation" form. We will review those ads and appropriately take action.
What should I do if my products are incorrectly disapproved?
If you feel your products are incorrectly disapproved, you may request a re-review. You may find that some individually disapproved offers may not have option to request a re-review. In such cases, you should reach out to your Sales Representative or contact us. Visit our help center for more information.