Google Ads · Google Ads Data Processing Terms · View original document ↗

Google processes only as processor

High severity High confidence Explicitdocumentlanguage Common · 280 of 352 platforms
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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)

Designating Google Ads as a processor means it must act only on Customer instructions and cannot determine the purposes of processing independently, with distinct legal consequences under data protection law.

Interpretive note: The excerpt also designates the Customer's role, which is recorded in omitted_material as an independent proposition.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Google Ads is bound to process Customer Personal Data only as a processor acting on Customer instructions, not as an independent controller.

How other platforms handle this

Google Cloud Medium

combination of Service Data with information from other Google products and services. We also use Service Data for internal reporting and analysis of applicable product and business operations.

Instacart Medium

We may process Inputs, Outputs, and your interactions with AI Features to operate, secure, prevent fraud and abuse, and improve the Services. See our Privacy Policy for details...

ZipRecruiter Medium

In certain instances, our clients hire ZipRecruiter to provide services on behalf of the client. In such case, we process Personal Data under the direction of that client (the data controller) and have no direct relationship with the individuals...

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Google is a processor of Customer Personal Data; (c) Customer is a controller or processor, as applicable, of Customer Personal Data

— Excerpt from Google Ads's Google Ads Data Processing Terms

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Ads Data Processing Terms
Entity
Google Ads
Document last updated
May 20, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 20, 2026
Last verified
July 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-062772
Document ID
CA-D-00859
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
1dbad9ea13c36a8ea1ba2fc334abc4006f4d985cc2e91b93e8c63a28d1bffafc
Analysis generated
May 20, 2026 12:57 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Google Ads
Document: Google Ads Data Processing Terms
Record ID: CA-P-062772
Captured: 2026-05-20 12:57:20 UTC
SHA-256: 1dbad9ea13c36a8e…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google-ads/google-ads-data-processing-terms/provision/CA-P-062772/google-processes-only-as-processor/
Accessed: July 12, 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 Google processes only as processor clause do?

Designating Google Ads as a processor means it must act only on Customer instructions and cannot determine the purposes of processing independently, with distinct legal consequences under data protection law.

How does this clause affect you?

Google Ads is bound to process Customer Personal Data only as a processor acting on Customer instructions, not as an independent controller.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 280 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.