Google Ads news
Different separator
Hana Kobzová discovered that Google is testing a different separator in Google Ads.
Dreamboard
Google launched DreamBoard is a new open-source video marketing solution built on Google Cloud, designed to simplify and accelerate the entire video production process.
It uses powerful Google AI tools like Gemini, Imagen, and Veo to take you from concept to final video output, eliminating traditional time and cost barriers. Now available on GitHub.
Google Ads Policy Update – July 2025
Starting July 16, 2025, Google will update its Cryptocurrencies and related products policy to clarify requirements for advertising cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets in Canada.
Key Points:
– Advertisers targeting Canada must be registered with FINTRAC (CANAFE) as a money services business.
– All local legal requirements must also be met.
– Advertisers must be certified by Google to run these ads.
The policy applies globally to all accounts advertising restricted financial products.
Violations won’t result in immediate suspension. Google will issue a 7-day warning before taking action.
Verified message assets
Arpan Banerjee just got the message that Google Ads to Require Verified Phone Numbers for Message Assets!
GTM Update
You should now serve all Google scripts like gtag.js and gtm.js via the Web container client.The GA4 client no longer supports dependency serving for these scripts.
Existing setups using dependency serving will keep working for now, but going forward, use the Web container for any new tagging server configurations.
Restricted Drug term update
Advertisers in the US, Canada, and New Zealand must apply for the Restricted Drug Term Personalization Certification to use Google’s personalized targeting tools for promoting products with Restricted Drug Terms to healthcare professionals.
Without this certification, personalization is not allowed. Advertisers outside these countries are not eligible due to local regulations.
API update
Starting September 30, 2025, Google Ads will gradually update bidding models to use the conversion_environment field for imported in-app conversions via the Google Ads API.
This field helps improve attribution accuracy and bidding performance.
If you’re importing in-app conversions (e.g., purchases, sign-ups), make sure to include the conversion_environment field—omitting it may lead to fewer recorded conversions and reduced campaign performance.
Conversion uploads without the field will still be accepted, but won’t benefit from optimized bidding.
New Match type AI Max
Aleksejus Podpruginas discovered that Google is now showing AI Max as a segment type! Very nice to see:)
GA4 update
Arpan Banerjee just texted me that Users with Analyst and above Google Analytics permissions can now create, edit, and delete annotations!
Zoho CRM
Hana Kobzová discovered that Google Ads has quietly added Zoho CRM as a supported data source within Data Manager!
Dangerous products
Starting September 1, 2025, Google Ads and Google Shopping will update their Dangerous products or services policies to prohibit ads for pill presses, encapsulating machines, and related components used to create or imprint pills and tablets.
Products that will be restricted include:
– Pill presses
– Tableting machines
– Dies, molds, stamps, punches used for pill production
Enforcement timeline:
– Begins on September 1, 2025
– Full enforcement will ramp up over approximately 6 weeks
Important notes:
– Violations won’t lead to immediate account suspension
– Google will issue a warning at least 7 days prior to suspension
– Advertisers should review and remove affected ads before September 1, 2025
Advertisers are encouraged to check whether any of their ads fall under this new restriction and take action accordingly.
Gambling Ads
Starting July 14, 2025, Google Ads will allow online gambling ads in Ukraine, but only from certified, state-licensed operators and aggregators.
Key details:
Applies to online poker, sports betting, online casino games, and state lotteries
Advertisers must obtain country-specific certification and hold the appropriate license for each gambling category
Both operators and agencies must be authorized by Ukrainian authorities
Certification is required before ads can run
The official Gambling and Games policy page will be updated on July 14, 2025. Advertisers should review licensing requirements and apply for certification in advance.
Google’s New EU Proposal Could Reshape Search and Ads
Just before a key July 7–8 EU workshop, Google submitted a revised proposal to avoid an antitrust fine under the Digital Markets Act.
The update, called Option B, adds a box beneath search results featuring free links to direct suppliers (like hotels and airlines), aiming to reduce self-preferencing without labeling it as a Google feature.
This could impact advertisers by reducing premium placements and shifting traffic toward unpaid or rival listings.
The EU had charged Google in March for favoring its own services in search. The outcome of this proposal could determine whether Google avoids further fines or faces stricter regulation.
Sunset video action campaigns
Arpan Banerjee just texted me that Google started sending notification about sunsetting “Video Action Campaigns”!
iOS 26 is here, and it’s again a shake-up for marketers, analysts, and attribution
Apple is doubling down on privacy in Safari and Mail. The result? Tracking is about to break in a lot more places.
Here’s what’s changing:Safari now blocks fingerprinting by default
– No more using device/browser data like screen size, cores, or canvas rendering for identity.
Tracking parameters get stripped – UTM, gclid, fbclid, and similar tags are removed from links clicked in:
• Safari (especially Private mode)
• Apple Mail • Messages
That means less accurate attribution across:
– Google Ads & Analytics
– Meta Ads
– Email marketing platforms
– Cross-channel funnel reports
Apple Mail alone accounts for ~30% of email opens, so this hits email marketers hard.
Merchant Center update
As of July 1, Google Merchant Center automatically calculates sales tax for U.S. merchants based on the shopper’s location.
Merchants no longer need to manually configure tax settings, reducing a common cause of product disapprovals and simplifying feed setup especially for those using dynamic shipping.
Starting July 1, 2025 also member prices can’t be submitted via price or sale_price. Use the loyalty_program attribute instead; otherwise, risk disapproval.
This update was found by Emmanuel Flossie.
For more information check his video.
Google Ads API update
Starting August 4, 2025, the Search and SearchStream methods will return query_resource_consumption and field_mask even when queries return no results.
If you use these methods to download reports, make sure your application can handle the new response format.This change applies to all API versions.
Long description
Arpan Banerjee saw these really long descriptions in Google Ads!