Overview
Starting 28 October 2025, Google will begin enforcing an update to the Misrepresentation Policy focused on Dishonest Pricing Practices. This policy is designed to increase transparency and prevent misleading pricing in ads.
If your ads don’t clearly disclose full costs, or if they create a false impression about pricing, they may be disapproved — and repeated violations could lead to account suspension.
What’s Changing
Google now requires advertisers to:
Clearly disclose all costs before and after purchase (no hidden fees).
Avoid bait-and-switch tactics, such as promoting an unrealistically low price to attract clicks, then pressuring users into a different, higher-priced offer.
Avoid price exploitation, such as charging inflated prices to vulnerable users.
Not advertise apps as “free” if payment is required to install or use them.
Not advertise free trials without clearly stating:
The trial length.
That charges will apply automatically at the end of the trial.
Examples of Violations
❌ Ad says $9.99 → checkout requires $39.99 activation fee.
❌ App listed as “Free” → payment required to download.
❌ “Free Trial” promoted → auto-renews at $49.99 without disclosure.
How to Stay Compliant
✅ Make sure your ad copy matches the final cost the user will pay.
✅ Disclose all fees, subscriptions, or auto-renewals upfront.
✅ If offering a free trial, clearly explain trial duration and post-trial charges.
✅ Regularly review your landing pages and checkout flows to ensure pricing transparency.
Why This Matters
Failure to comply may result in:
Ad disapprovals (your campaign stops running until corrected).
Account warnings (Google provides 7 days to fix the issue).
Potential suspension if repeated violations occur.
By keeping your campaigns compliant, you avoid interruptions and protect your long-term advertising account health.