Google will update its Ads Misrepresentation policy in October 2025 to stop dishonest pricing practices and strengthen transparency for consumers.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): Google has announced a major update to its Ads Misrepresentation policy, aimed at curbing dishonest pricing practices and ensuring greater transparency for consumers. The revised rules will come into effect from 28 October 2025, with enforcement phased in over four weeks.
According to Google, the policy update is designed to prevent deceptive pricing tactics that mislead users into paying unexpected or inflated charges. Advertisers must now clearly disclose the full expense or payment model upfront — both before and after purchase — or risk warnings and account suspension.
Key Highlights of the Policy Update
Clear Disclosure Mandatory
All advertisers will be required to conspicuously state the full cost of a product or service, including subscription charges, trial periods, or hidden costs.
Ban on Deceptive Practices
The update explicitly prohibits practices that create a false impression of cost, including:
- Bait-and-switch tactics: Luring customers with unrealistically low prices with no intent to sell at that rate.
- Price exploitation: Charging excessively high rates to vulnerable customers under duress, such as emergency services overcharging.
- Misleading app promotions: Advertising apps as free when users must pay to install them.
- Hidden free trial charges: Not disclosing that a free trial will convert into a paid subscription automatically.
Enforcement Mechanism
Google clarified that violations will not immediately lead to account suspension. Instead, a warning period of at least 7 days will be given to advertisers to comply before stricter actions are taken.
Table: Key Facts on Google Ads Policy Update
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Concern | Dishonest Pricing Practices in Google Ads |
| Effective Date | 28 October 2025 (full enforcement within 4 weeks) |
| Advertiser Obligation | Must clearly disclose total expense/payment model before and after purchase |
| Prohibited Practices | Bait-and-switch, price exploitation, misleading app promotions, hidden trial fees |
| Penalty Mechanism | Warning issued at least 7 days before suspension |
| Objective | Ensure transparency, prevent deceptive pricing, and protect consumers |
Industry Impact
The stricter guidelines are expected to bring greater accountability to digital advertising. Experts say the move will help curb exploitative practices in online sectors like emergency services, mobile apps, and subscription-based businesses.
Digital policy analysts also noted that while the rules may impose more compliance burdens on advertisers, they are aimed at restoring user trust in online platforms and ads.
(India CSR)
