Content that makes misleading, deceptive, or unrealistic claims, unreliable or harmful claims, or enables dishonest behavior. This includes things like make-money-fast schemes, chain letters, or pyramid schemes, or products or services that help users mislead others or gain unauthorized access to systems, devices, or property.
Ads cannot include:
- Fraudulent or Deceptive Solicitations: Ads that deceive users into giving up money or personal data through tactics like phishing, investment scams, or other dishonest practices aimed at tricking or exploiting users; make or promote unreliable or harmful claims; or promote content, products, or services using false, dishonest, or deceptive claims.
- Scams or Other Unacceptable Business Practices: Content that attempts to scam users, including by concealing, misstating, or failing to disclose information about the business, product, or service. Examples include ads for products or services that do not exist, ads that do not accurately describe what the user will see on the landing page(s), ads that attempt to imply third-party endorsements that the products or services do not have, and ads that suggest or imply that the product or service has certain certifications or meets certain industry standards when it does not.
- Dishonest Pricing Practices: Ads that fail to disclose the full payment model or cost, promote products or services as free when they require payment, charge users without their knowledge or consent, or create unnecessary hurdles for cancellation or returns.
- Deceptive or Misleading Ad Designs or Elements: Ads that include content, experiences, designs, elements, or behavior that could be deceptive or misleading. Examples include ads that obscure their promotional nature, such as those imitating system notifications or including fake interactive elements like overlaid non-functional close buttons; elements like redirects to unwanted content without user action; fake messages that lead to an ad or landing page when clicked; fake error or update messages; fake system messages or flags; malware or unwanted software or downloads; or any other designs or elements that mislead users or attempt to trick them into interactions, engagement, or sharing their personal information.
- Unrealistic or Exaggerated Claims: Ads that make unsubstantiated, unrealistic, or exaggerated promises, such as claims of extraordinary financial returns, the ability to earn real money in properties that do not have that capability, miracle cures for health conditions.
- Inconsistent Information: Ads and landing pages that do not match, include inconsistent information on the product, price, promotion, or similar details, or do not include key information like product descriptions, disclaimers, or terms and conditions. Examples include ads that depict one product but send users to landing pages for a different product or a similar product but with different details.
- Misinformation: Content that features inaccurate, misleading, or false information that may cause significant harm to individuals or society. Examples include ads that reference violent or hateful conspiracy theories, ads that may discourage people from getting appropriate medical care, and ads that attempt to undermine well-established scientific consensus.
- Misleading Health Claims: Ads may not make medical claims or claims that could be interpreted as medical (e.g., “playing this game treats a medical condition”), or otherwise state or imply that the product may diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any particular disease(s), absent the necessary authorizations under applicable laws. Health, wellness, and pharmaceutical products must also follow the Additional Guidelines Specific to Health, Wellness, and Pharmaceutical Products .
- General unsubstantiated claims: Ads that make statements or claims without evidence or appropriate support (e.g., endorsements by unidentified “experts,” references to unidentified “research” or “studies,” or a “#1 recommended” label).
Ads can include:
- The general suggestion that the use of the product(s) may improve mental clarity or sharpness or have similar effects (e.g., “playing this game may help improve your vocabulary and train your brain”).
- Endorsements (e.g., “doctor approved”), positive reviews, accolades (e.g., “award winning”), or similar claims for the product(s), if accurate and proven by documented support on the landing page(s) (e.g., evidence, clinical research, or scientific support). For example, a product can claim to be “doctor recommended” or “the favorite product of a well-known celebrity,” if those claims would be accurate and can be proven by information available on the landing page(s).