Google added a sentence to the Google Ads advertising policies on November 11, 2026: Ads that use AI to imitate public figures are not allowed, even if the ad discloses the use of AI. Google calls the addition a clarification and writes that it changes nothing about its existing review and suspension practices.
The policy lists politicians, artists, athletes, influencers, and well-known entrepreneurs as public figures. One example from the text is AI-generated videos of well-known YouTubers promoting dubious offers with the promise of getting rich quickly.
Affected are self-employed people who set up campaigns themselves, as well as agencies that run ads for client accounts. Testimonial videos, avatars, and synthetic voices are under scrutiny.
What exactly does the policy prohibit?
The basic rule is found in the Google Ads policy on „Unacceptable business practices“ (unzulässige Geschäftspraktiken). It is prohibited to imitate public figures in order to extract money or personal data from people, and likewise to feign a connection to a well-known person that does not exist. As an example, Google cites advertising that falsely suggests the endorsement of a singer or athlete.
The sentence on AI is new: A notice about the use of AI does not change the prohibition. Google does not comment on these pages about characters that merely resemble a well-known person. Google also does not mention any restriction to individual countries; so expect the rule to apply to campaigns in Germany as well.
What happens in the event of a suspension?
Google classifies violations as very serious. The account is suspended as soon as Google identifies the violation, without prior warning. Google provides for reinstatement only in special cases, such as a mistake.
How to file an appeal
The path following an account suspension, as described by the Google policy
- NotificationYou click „Contact Us“ (Kontakt) at the top of Google Ads
- FormThe appeal form shows you the policy concerned
- EvidenceContracts, written agreements, media reports, or a confirmation from the person
- WaitingThe account shows the status „Appeal pending“ (appeal in progress)
- ResultThe decision arrives by email; if rejected, a new appeal is possible
Whether an appeal succeeds is decided by Google
Source: Google Ads Help
If you were suspended by mistake, you can file an appeal. For the appeal, Google expects evidence, such as contracts, written agreements, credible media reports, or a public confirmation from the person. While the appeal is in progress, the account shows the status „Appeal pending“, roughly „Einspruch läuft“ in German. The result arrives by email.
What this means for you
It's best to check running and planned ads with testimonials, avatars, or synthetic voices now, not only after a suspension. Any ad in which a face or voice is recognizably modeled on a well-known person should be taken offline before Google finds it.
Google recommends obtaining verifiable consent from the person before using their name, image, video, or voice. Record it in writing and ideally mention the AI recreation explicitly, so that the consent covers exactly that.
For ads that you run for clients, agree in writing with video and voice suppliers that their material contains no recreated persons. File contracts and consents in a way that lets you find them quickly in the event of an appeal.
The rule applies to Google Ads. Whether a recreation is allowed outside of it is not governed by the rule.
Google published the clarification on November 11, 2026 in the change overview of the advertising policies.
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