Our top priority is to create a safe and trustworthy experience for users, whether they’re searching for information online or interacting with ads across our platforms. That’s why we have robust Google Ads policies outlining the types of advertising we do and don’t allow. 

When developing our advertising policies, we often work with outside experts to ensure we’re factoring in relevant government regulations and industry accreditation programs. This helps us to connect users directly to the advertisers who both meet the latest standards and offer the product or service directly. For example, we have a longstanding certification program for online pharmacies which limits ads for the sale of prescription drugs to those from licensed pharmacies in countries where those ads are legal. Similarly, last year, we introduced a new policy to restrict promotions for official government services like passport renewals, visa applications or changing mailing addresses to the governments or their delegated providers.

Today, we are announcing our plans for a new certification program for health insurance advertisers in the United States. With this certification, we will only allow ads from government exchanges, first-party providers and licensed third-party brokers. In order to run ads, advertisers will need to provide documentation showing they are permitted under state law to sell health insurance. This includes plans for individual health insurance coverage, short-term coverage and Medicare, among others. Additionally, for private-sector providers promoting Affordable Care Act-compliant health plans, we will also require proof they are registered with the U.S. government to do so. 

When people come to Google with questions about healthcare coverage and insurance plans, we are committed to creating a high-quality ad experience – one where they’re connected to trustworthy providers, and the promotion is clear from the ad itself. This new certification creates an additional layer of protection on top of our longstanding misrepresentation policies, which prohibit advertisements with misleading claims about insurance plans or the advertiser’s affiliation with the government. 

Advertisers can begin to apply for certification on May 3, 2021. If they do not complete certification by June 2, 2021, they will no longer be able to serve their ads. For more information on the certification program and Google Ads policies visit our Advertiser Help Center.

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