Important Google AdWords Policy Changes

Google Adwords has made some changes to its policy to better protect people’s personal and financial information, which we wanted to make you aware of. We have had recent experience of this with a client who had their ads stopped, which resulted in a loss of revenue and took over 5 days to rectify. So we would like to warn you of the amendments Google has made, in order to avoid the same potentially happening to you.

This year Google added three requirements to its existing AdWords policies that cover the disclosure and usage of personal information. Google is starting to enforce these policies and thus suspending Google Adword Accounts without any notification. So to avoid your Google Adwords account being suspended until you meet all requirements, please address the pivacy policy requirements outlined as a matter of importance.

These requirements will apply everywhere that AdWords is available. Unless necessary for the product or service that you’re offering, it is best to not request personal information. However, if you do collect any form of data, make sure your privacy policy is fully up to date.

If your website requests payment, financial, or personal information from visitors, please carefully read the three new requirements listed below and make any required changes to avoid having your ads suspended. Google have stated the following:

1. Clear, accessible disclosure before visitors submit personal information
   “Our existing policy requires you to clearly describe how any personal information you solicit will be used. Soon, we’ll require that your description must also be easily accessible before site visitors submit their details.”
2. Option to discontinue direct communications
   “In the same description of how personal information will be used, you’ll also be required to describe how people can opt out of future emails, phone calls, or other direct communications.”
3. SSL when collecting payment and certain financial and personal information
   “Many websites use what are known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connections to encrypt sensitive information that travels between the user’s browser and the website’s servers. To help ensure user safety, AdWords policy will require all advertisers to use SSL when collecting payments and certain financial and personal information (like bank account and social security numbers)”.

With further regards to the Adwords policy, here are the requirements for advertisers who collect personal of financial information. Advertisers who collect this type of information must provide a clear explanation of how this information may be used, and an easy way for people to opt out of future direct communications if they wish:

• Full name
• Email address
• Mailing address
• Telephone number
• Mother’s maiden name date of birth in addition to any of the above information
• National identity, pension, national insurance, tax ID, health care or driver’s licence number

In addition, AdWords policy will require the following information to be transmitted over a secure SSL (https:) connection:

• Credit and debit card numbers
• Bank and investment account numbers
• Additional account numbers
• Bank transfer numbers
• National identity, pension, national insurance, tax ID, health care or driving license number

The privacy policy requirements listed above will apply to all countries where Google Adwords is available, so it is highly advisable you review these details now and make any necessary changes.

It is also essential that a visible link to this Privacy Policy is on every page of the website.

Privacy Policy Example:

Please see www.netorkintellect.com/privacy-policy for an example policy.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at Network Intellect if you have any questions regarding the Privacy Policy Changes.