7 New Google Ad Policy Violations That Could Get Your Account Suspended

Google’s laying down the law with its latest ad policy update. 

And it’s not pretty.

Now’s not the time to push the limits if you run ads, make apps, or deal with third parties.

One wrong move and your Google Ads account could vanish.

So, let’s talk about the new rules, what to watch out for — and how to stay on the site without getting booted off.

Spoiler alert: Google’s patience is wearing thin.

7 new violations that could get your account shut down 

Google’s always had rules, but now they’ve raised the stakes.

The big shift?

Instant suspensions for serious violations.

No more three strikes… we’ll get into this later.

Repeated minor violations, or “sustained” ones, can also get you in hot water.

So what exactly are these new penalties?

• Breaking the rules too often – keep messing up and Google’s patience will run out.
• Third-party responsibility crackdown – your agency or freelance partners’ mistakes can become your problem.
• Misleading or deceptive ads – if you’re stretching the truth in your ads or using clickbait, this applies to you.
• Incentivising clicks or engagement – if you’re offering rewards for clicks.
• Non-compliant ad formats – if your ads have confusing or deceptive placement on your app or website.
• Inappropriate or harmful content – there are no exceptions for pushing offensive content. 
• Invalid traffic – using bots or fake software to create clicks is a surefire way to get your account closed. 

Each of these can lead to account suspensions or losing privileges like discounts if you’re a Google Partner. 

But if you stick to the rules, you’ll be fine.

Violation #1 — repeating policy violations

What counts as a “significant” or “sustained” violation?

Glad you asked. 

Google’s not super forgiving when it comes to repeat offenders. 

So if you keep breaking the rules, even on smaller ones, they’ll eventually slap you with an account suspension.

For example, if you’re using guarantees or clickbait.

Don’t overpromise with claims like “Claim your free iPhone!” or “This trick will save you thousands!”

First, they’ll start you off with a warning. 

But if you keep pushing it, expect strikes. 

Rack up enough strikes, and your account gets suspended.

Even small violations can add up. 

You might think bending the rules a little won’t hurt.

But, remember, Google’s tracking everything with AI. 

Don’t give them a reason to pull the plug on you.

Penalty #2 — working with shady agencies or freelancers

Be careful who you work with.

If your agency messes up, guess who gets punished? 

Yep, you. 

But here’s where it gets tricky. 

Google does give you a chance to fix things if your partner slips up. 

It’s not an instant death sentence. 

But still, the stakes are high. 

If your partner keeps violating policies, you’ll lose certifications or even get suspended.

Moral of the story?

Always vet your Google Ads specialist. 

Make sure they’re playing by the rules, or their mistakes will come back to bite you.

Penalty #3 — using misleading ads or bogus practices

It’s tempting to make your product sound a little better than it actually is. 

But Google’s not having any of it.

Misleading ads are a fast track to trouble.

Whether it’s fake discounts, exaggerated claims, or flat-out lies, you’re asking for a strike — or worse, suspension.

Google wants transparency.

So they’re cracking down on anything that deceives or confuses people.

So, if your ad promises something you can’t keep, expect Google to step in fast.

But if you want to stay safe, be honest. 

Focus on what your products or services actually do to solve a problem.

Use clear language, and avoid overhyped phrases like “best in the world”.

Always back up claims with facts.

Stick to what you can prove, like actual tangible and intangible benefits or verified testimonials.

And if you’re offering discounts, make sure they’re real. 

Not just a tactic to lure people in.

Being upfront builds trust, and that’s what Google (and your audience) want to see.

It’s not that hard to follow the rules.

Penalty #4 — rewarding clicks or engagement

Got an app that rewards people for clicking on ads? 

Google’s drawn a hard line here.

Incentivising clicks are now off the table.

If your app offers points, virtual currency, or any kind of reward for watching an ad — yup, you’re actually violating the rules.

This isn’t a grey area anymore.

Bribing people for engagement is a big no-no.

Adjust your strategy now before Google adjusts it for you.

Focus on writing headlines that grab attention.

Don’t overpromise.

Make sure your visuals are eye-catching and relevant to what you’re offering.

Use calls-to-action, like “Book a Free Consultation” or “Reserve Your Spot Today”.

Guide people instead of pushing them.

Experiment with your ads to see what works best — sometimes a small tweak can make a big difference.

And don’t forget targeting.

Make sure your ads are reaching the right audience.

Clicks should come naturally, not because of rewards.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Penalty #5 — using different ad formats

Google has clear rules for how ads should show up on websites and apps.

Don’t run ads that sneakily blend in with your website content.

The same goes for misleading people into clicking an ad.

Pop-ups, full-screen ads, or placements that confuse users will get flagged quickly.

Google expects ads to stand out and be separate from everything else on your page or app.

If your ad confuses or obstructs people, you’ll face penalties.

Keep it simple, and your account will stay safe.

Penalty #6 — ads with inappropriate and harmful content

Ads that promote violence, hate speech, or offensive material are a sure way to get suspended.

Even controversial political or social content can get flagged if it crosses the line.

Google wants ads to be safe and respectful for all audiences.

Keep it clean, or your account could be gone for good.

Penalty #7 — bots clicking your ads

If bots are clicking your ads, Google’s on it.

They’ve got specialists and algorithms constantly monitoring clicks and impressions on ads

Invalid traffic is a big deal.

28% of digital traffic is not human.

Bots, fake clicks, or automated interactions can lead to quick suspensions.

If Google suspects anything fishy, your account could be in danger.

Even if you’re not behind it, you’re still going to be held responsible.

That means constantly keeping an eye on your campaigns.

Watch for strange traffic patterns, like sudden spikes in clicks or engagement.

Google’s tools can help you spot issues before they spiral out of control.

If you ignore it, your account could get flagged, or worse, suspended.

No excuses here — it’s on you to protect your website traffic.

What happens after your account gets suspended?

If your account gets suspended, everything grinds to a halt.

You lose access to all Google Ads services.

All active campaigns are paused, and you can’t create new ones.

It’s like being locked out of your own house.

You can try to appeal but don’t hold your breath. 

Head to the Google Ads Help Center and fill out the suspension appeal form.

Make sure to provide clear details about your account and the steps you’ve taken to fix any violations.

But don’t expect a quick turnaround.

Google’s review process can take several days, and they rarely overturn some suspensions.

You need to prove there was a mistake.

You can also show that you’ve fully corrected the issue.

While waiting for a response, it’s crucial to identify what led to the suspension.

Carefully review the Google Ads policies and fix any violations across your account.

Google rarely overturns suspensions.

Your best bet is to figure out what went wrong, fix it, and hope you don’t make the same mistake again.

Instant account suspensions… no more warnings

As you know by now, some violations will get you suspended right away.

No warnings. 

No strikes. 

Just a straight-up suspension.

If you’re involved in something serious like fraud or promoting harmful content, Google won’t give you a second chance. 

Your account will be gone in a flash, along with all your campaigns and ads.

Once your account is suspended, it’s a lot of work trying to get it back.

Appeals rarely succeed, and even when they do, it’s a slow, painful process. 

Prevention is your best defence here.

Trust me—you don’t want to deal with a suspension.

How to avoid getting penalised by Google’s new policies

Avoid account suspensions by staying in Google’s good graces.

It’s not rocket science.

Just play by the rules, and you’ll be fine.

Step #1 — regularly review Google’s ad policies

Don’t wait for Google to send you a nastygram.

Be proactive.

Make it a habit to check Google’s ad policies regularly.

As you know, they change more often than you’d think.

Google’s change log lists 55 changes so far in 2025.

Staying on top of updates is the easiest way to avoid surprises.

Bookmark Google’s ad policy page.

Get someone on your team to keep an eye on it.

It’s basic housekeeping — but it’ll save you a lot of headaches.

Step #2 — always do an audit of your ads and apps

You don’t need to wait for Google to tell you something’s wrong.

Run regular Google Ads audits.

Look for red flags.

Catch problems early before they become violations.

It’s way easier than trying to fix things after Google flags you.

Step #3 — be careful when working with Google Ads agencies or freelancers

Your partners’ mistakes can cost you big time.

Choose wisely.

Global digital advertising spending is expected to hit a record $694 billion by the of end 2025.

Get your money’s worth when it comes to paid advertising.

Vet your third-party partners carefully.

Pick a Google Ads partner with a solid compliance record. 

Their processes need to be up to date on the latest ad policies.

It’s a good idea to have regular check-ins to make sure they’re following the rules.

You don’t want their mistakes to become your problems.

Your contract needs to hold them accountable for any policy breaches.

If they’ve been flagged for violations before, think twice before working with them.

Better safe than sorry.

Why Google is tightening the screws

So, why is Google cracking down so hard?

Simple. They want to keep their ad ecosystem clean.

There’s been a rise in invalid clicks, fake ads, and dodgy practices that hurt both advertisers and people.

In 2023, ad fraud accounted for 22% of all digital ad spending — an eye-popping $84 billion.

And Google’s had enough of it. 

They want to protect the platform from bad actors who are trying to exploit the system.

According to Google’s 2023 Ads Safety Report, they blocked or removed 12.7 million advertiser accounts last year—almost double the number from the year before.

It’s all about trust.

People need to trust that the ads they see aren’t scams.

Advertisers need to know their money isn’t being wasted on bot traffic.

Google’s goal is to make sure everyone plays by the rules so the whole system works smoothly.

And let’s be real.

Google’s reputation is on the line too.

If their ad network becomes a haven for scammers, people will stop using it. 

So, they’re cleaning the house before things get too messy.

In short, Google’s protecting itself, its users, and its advertisers.

The message is clear: follow the rules, or you’re out.

The future of Google Ads — stricter policies ahead

Is this the beginning of even stricter rules from Google?

Probably. 

Google’s not taking any chances. 

Don’t be surprised to see even tougher policies in the future.

Think YouTube ads, Google Search, and other platforms.

The takeaway?

Stay alert.

Keep an eye on the rules and adjust your strategies.

Unfortunately, it’s not getting any easier from here.

Staying in the Google Ads game

The message is loud and clear: follow the rules or find yourself out in the cold.

If you don’t want to wake up to a suspended Google Ads account, take compliance seriously.

Review your ads. 

Monitor your apps so that they doing anything suspicious.

Make sure your third-party partners are on the up-and-up.

Play it smart, and avoid the drama.