Google Updates Privacy Policy Requirements on May 17

On May 17th, Google Adwords is adding three privacy requirements to their existing AdWords landing page and website policies that cover disclosure and usage of personal information. The purpose of these policies is to ensure a safer web browsing experience for users of Google.

New Policy

For all sites that request payment, financial, or personal information from visitors, the following will be required from the landing page and sites in order to continue advertising on Adwords.

Clear, accessible disclosure before visitors submit any personal information
How you plan on using the personal information you solicit must be easily accessible before site visitors submit any personal information.

Option to discontinue direct communications
In the same description including the disclosures, websites will be required to describe how people can opt out of future emails, phone calls, or other direct communications.

SSL when collecting payment and certain financial and personal information
AdWords policy will now require all advertisers to use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) when collecting payments and certain financial and personal information (like bank account and social security numbers).

Definition of Personal Information

Advertisers who collect any of the following personal information must provide a clear, accessible explanation of how the information might be used, as well as a simple, effective way to opt out of future direct communications:

• Full name
• Email address
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Birth date
• National identity, pension, social security, tax ID, health care, or driver’s license number
• Mother’s maiden name

In addition, AdWords policy will require the following information to be transmitted securely over an SSL (https:) connection:

• Credit and debit card numbers
• Bank and investment account numbers
• Checking account numbers
• Wire transfer numbers
• National identity, pension, social security, tax ID, health care, or driver’s license number

Actions

To ensure uninterrupted Adwords campaigns, marketers should review the following aspects of their websites to ensure that the websites are in compliance with these policies.

• Review the website’s privacy policy to ensure that disclosures are included.
• Ensure that the privacy policy is easily accessible by users before they submit any personal information – especially on pages requesting financial or personal information.
• Ensure that the website uses SSL in any instances where financial information or payments are requested.

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