Big Changes Coming to Google Security: Are You Prepared?

Google will introduce new security rules on February 16, 2025, that will affect its Ads platform program. These changes are part of Google’s effort to improve security and protect users from harmful activities.

While many reports have focused on privacy concerns, the new security rules are just as important for users to understand.

The changes will impact how ads are served across Google’s platforms. According to Google, the new policies will better protect the ads ecosystem and prevent harmful activities. Some of the main updates include:

1. Cookie Handling: Users will not be allowed to modify, intercept, or delete cookies set on Google domains.
2. Malware and Software: Users cannot distribute or link to pages that contain malware or other harmful software.
3. Circumventing Google’s Systems: Any attempt to interfere with or bypass Google’s advertising systems will be prohibited.
4. Impersonation: Ads must not imitate the user interface of websites, apps, or device features, such as notifications or warning elements of browsers or operating systems.
5. Transparency in Ads: It must be clear to users which app, site, or property is showing any given ad.
6. Unauthorized Ad Space: Systems that overlay ads on websites, apps, or properties without the owner’s permission will be banned.

These new rules are designed to make the Google ecosystem safer by preventing harmful practices like malware distribution and ad impersonation. However, they also aim to make ads more transparent and ensure that users know where the ads are coming from.

While privacy issues, like digital fingerprinting, continue to raise concerns, the security updates are a positive step towards making Google a safer platform. These changes are important for anyone who uses Google’s services, especially those involved in advertising or using the Google Ads platform.

As the deadline approaches, users should familiarize themselves with the new policies to avoid violations and ensure they are compliant with the updated rules.