Google Merchant Center Policy Tracker
Every policy change, shopping ads update, and compliance requirement shift — timestamped, categorized, and explained. So you know what changed, when, and what it means for your store.
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Showing 16 of 16 policy changes
Untrustworthy promotion enforcement tightened: pre-checked subscriptions explicitly cited
Google updated the untrustworthy promotions policy doc to explicitly cite pre-checked subscription radios on product pages as a misrepresentation trigger. The pattern was already enforced; this update makes the policy text match enforcement.
Performance Max retail uses GMC compliance score as direct bidding signal
Google's Performance Max algorithm now uses the GMC account-level compliance score as a direct input to bid pacing, not just as an eligibility filter. Stores with sub-70 compliance scores see materially lower impression share.
AI-generated product descriptions require honest representation
Google updated guidance on AI-generated product content. AI-generated descriptions are allowed, but stores must ensure the descriptions accurately represent the actual product. Generic or hallucinated specs are flagged.
Network-ban detection algorithm updated: shared payment methods now strongest signal
Google updated its linked-accounts detection algorithm. Shared payment methods (single credit card billing multiple GMC accounts) is now the strongest weight in cross-account risk scoring.
Business identity cross-reference expanded to include Wikidata + LinkedIn
Google's account-review process now cross-references business identity against Wikidata entries and LinkedIn company pages in addition to Google Business Profile.
Video verification mandatory for new Merchant Center accounts
Google now requires a live video call verification for all new Merchant Center account approvals. Text and phone verification no longer accepted for first-time approvals.
Misrepresentation policy expanded to cover price comparison sites
Google's misrepresentation policy now explicitly covers merchants who use price comparison aggregators to show lower prices than what's available at checkout.
Return policy page now required for all Shopping Ads accounts
Google began requiring a clearly accessible, machine-readable return policy page. Missing or vague return policies now trigger product disapprovals.
Structured data errors now directly suppress Shopping Ads impressions
Google announced that schema.org structured data errors on product pages directly reduce Shopping Ads impression share, with severe errors causing full suppression.
Merchant API v2 replaces Content API — migration deadline set
Google announced the deprecation of Content API for Shopping. All merchants must migrate to the new Merchant API (v2) by September 2025 or lose programmatic access.
Checkout page requirements tightened: hidden fees trigger suspension
Google updated its checkout policy to prohibit any fees (shipping, taxes, or surcharges) that appear only at the final checkout step but not earlier in the purchase flow.
Product image requirements updated: lifestyle images required for certain categories
Google updated Shopping image guidelines to require lifestyle or contextual images (not just white-background shots) for apparel, home goods, and sporting goods categories.
Automatic item updates (AUI) now opt-out only — enabled by default
Google flipped Automatic Item Updates from an opt-in to an opt-out setting, meaning Google now auto-corrects price and availability mismatches without merchant approval.
Shipping speed labels now required for all Shopping Ads products
Google began requiring merchants to specify delivery speed (same-day, next-day, standard, etc.) via the shipping attribute for all Shopping Ads products.
Trust signal enforcement: physical address and contact info now verified
Google began actively verifying that merchant websites display a physical business address, working phone number or live chat, and a contact email on an accessible contact page.
Shopping Ads policy transparency update: detailed suspension reasons now provided
Google began providing more specific violation codes and documentation links when suspending Merchant Center accounts.
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