Provision record
Google Ads · Google Ads Advertising Policies Overview · View original document ↗

Prohibited Practices: Data Collection and Use Violations

High severity High confidence Explicit document language Common · 290 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The policy prohibits ads that collect user data through deceptive means, without appropriate security measures, or without user disclosure. This covers collection of financial identifiers, government identifiers, and other personal data through ad interactions.

This analysis describes what Google Ads's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision establishes data collection conduct standards that apply at the ad interaction level, complementing Google's broader privacy policies and creating a platform-level enforcement mechanism for deceptive data collection practices independent of applicable privacy law.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

The agreement prohibits advertisers from using Google Ads to collect personal data including credit card numbers and Social Security numbers through deceptive ad interactions or without user disclosure. This provision is enforced through ad disapproval and account action.

How other platforms handle this

Square Medium

to request that your data be transferred to a third party (data portability)

Google Cloud Medium

Your organization may allow you to access and export your data in order to back it up or transfer it to a service outside of Google.

Roblox Medium

To stop us collecting your location information, you can update your device settings, stop using the Service, or uninstall our mobile apps.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Data collection and use: We want to ensure that ads we serve are not collecting data from users in an unauthorized or deceptive way. Examples of prohibited practices: running ads that collect user data (such as credit card numbers, social security numbers) without appropriate security measures; collecting user data through ad interactions without user knowledge; using misleading or deceptive tactics that collect user data without proper disclosure.

Excerpt from Google Ads's Advertising Policies Overview

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision directly engages GDPR in the EU and EEA, which requires lawful basis and transparency for personal data collection, and CCPA and CPRA in California, which require disclosure and opt-out rights …

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Ads Advertising Policies Overview
Entity
Google Ads
Document last updated
May 20, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 20, 2026
Last verified
May 20, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-012080
Document ID
CA-D-00854
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
aee6c500561f886a7b9232b86df81734605d45749a2ee8107920b4a3229fd479
Analysis generated
May 20, 2026 12:36 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Google Ads
Document: Google Ads Advertising Policies Overview
Record ID: CA-P-012080
Captured: 2026-05-20 12:36:54 UTC
SHA-256: aee6c500561f886a…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google-ads/google-ads-advertising-policies-overview/provision/CA-P-012080/prohibited-practices-data-collection-and-use-violations/
Accessed: Sept. 20, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Google Ads's Prohibited Practices: Data Collection and Use Violations clause do?

This provision establishes data collection conduct standards that apply at the ad interaction level, complementing Google's broader privacy policies and creating a platform-level enforcement mechanism for deceptive data collection practices independent of applicable privacy law.

How does this clause affect you?

The agreement prohibits advertisers from using Google Ads to collect personal data including credit card numbers and Social Security numbers through deceptive ad interactions or without user disclosure. This provision is enforced through ad disapproval and account action.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Google Ads?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google Ads.