Introduction
Purpose and Objectives of the Guide
The purpose of this guide is to assist advertisers in safeguarding their advertising content, avoiding account suspensions, and efficiently addressing potential issues related to Google Safe Browsing (GSB).
Overview of Google Safe Browsing
Google Safe Browsing is a system developed by Google to protect Chrome users from malicious and fraudulent content. If a website or resource is flagged by GSB (for example, due to phishing, malware, or unwanted software) a warning about its safety may appear when users attempt to access it.
Important: If your ad on Clickadu links to a resource flagged as unsafe by Google, the advertisement will be blocked.
Key Features of Google Safe Browsing
Blocking websites that contain malware, phishing pages, social engineering content, unwanted software, and more.
Displaying warnings to users attempting to access potentially dangerous resources.
Continuously updating blacklists of domains, URLs, and files.
Helpful Links
Google Advertising Requirements
Key Rules and Standards
Advertising content must not include links to malicious websites, phishing resources, or pages employing social engineering tactics.
All product or service information in advertisements must be presented honestly and without misleading claims.
Redirecting users to external resources must not involve sudden or hidden redirects that could lead to unwanted sites.
Automatic downloads of any software to the user’s device without their consent are strictly prohibited.
Content requirements
Clear branding and legal information
These required elements are essential to ensure that the URL you promote is not flagged as unsafe by Google Safe Browsing. If your website lacks these features, your ad campaign may be rejected during moderation.
Required Elements | Description |
Privacy Policy | |
Cookies Policy | Details the use of cookies, their purpose, and users’ rights regarding their configuration. |
Legal Notice | Discloses legal information about the company, including registration details, address, and other mandatory information. |
Terms & Conditions | Defines the terms of service, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both users and the company. |
Contacts | Displays contact details for reaching out to the company.
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These optional elements can significantly reduce the risk of your advertising content being blocked. While your ad campaigns will not be rejected during moderation if these elements are missing, we strongly recommend implementing them to enhance user trust and protect your platform.
Optional Elements | Description |
Cookies Settings | An interactive tool that allows users to manage their preferences regarding cookies, including enabling or disabling specific categories such as analytics or advertising cookies.
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Compliance | Policies and procedures confirming the company’s adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, along with a contact for a compliance representative. |
Copyright Report Form |
A form allowing users to report copyright violations. |
DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) | A form allowing users to report copyright violations. |
Opt-out | Enables users to decline specific uses of their data, such as targeted advertising or analytics. |
Digital Services Act (DSA) | Confirmation of the company’s compliance with the EU Digital Services Act requirements. |
Cookie constant banner, opt-in/opt-out
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) requires websites to obtain explicit user consent before placing cookies on their devices that process personal data.
Key requirements
Consent must be freely given and confirmed through an active action, such as clicking “Accept.” Pre-checked boxes or implied consent are not allowed.
Users must be able to choose which categories of cookies they accept or reject.
The website must provide clear information on the purposes of cookie use, third-party data access, and storage durations.
Consent must be explicit; simply continuing to use the website does not qualify as consent.
Websites must store proof of consent obtained.
Consent must be refreshed at least once a year or sooner if the user clears their browser settings.
Users must be able to easily withdraw or modify their consent.
Example:
Advertising Disclosures
In many jurisdictions, laws require clear labeling of advertising content. This can help avoid legal issues with regulators and antivirus products.
A detailed guide from the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) on Advertising Disclosures.
Example Advertising Disclosures
Necessary precautions
Precaution | Description |
Regular domain and landing page checks | It is essential to periodically scan your websites and landing pages using security tools (Safe Browsing site status and third-party antivirus services). |
Encryption (HTTPS) | Use SSL certificates to ensure user data security. |
Monitoring third-party scripts | Ensure that scripts used on the page (e.g., analytics, pixels) come from trusted sources and do not contain malicious code. |
Plugin and CMS checks
| If you use popular platforms (WordPress, Joomla, etc.), regularly update them and the plugins in use to close known vulnerabilities. |
Examples of acceptable and unacceptable practices
Acceptable | Unacceptable |
Using HTTPS and actively scanning resources. | Hiding the true URL using scripts or deceptive redirects. |
Providing up-to-date contact information, terms of use, and privacy policy | Embedding files in the site that initiate downloads of malicious software. |
Clearly mentioning key features of a product or service without misleading the user. | Content with fraudulent claims, promises of easy money, instant winnings, phishing forms, etc. |
Effective landing page example
Below, you can see one of Amazon's *landing pages:
| 1. Clear Brand Logo of the Advertiser Make sure the landing page features a prominent, high-resolution logo so visitors immediately recognize who is behind the campaign. 2. Concise, Transparent Description of the Offer Provide a brief yet precise explanation of what’s being advertised and the key benefits or incentives for the audience. 3. Detailed Information About the Offer and Its Features Expand on the specifics—what the product or service does, how it works, and any unique perks or limitations. 4. Information About the Organization Include background details, credibility markers, and a company overview to establish trust and authenticity. 5. Contact and Support Section Offer multiple ways for people to reach out along with FAQs or a support center link to address any concerns. 6. Important Sections Covering GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Clearly outline how data is collected, processed, and protected. Reference relevant privacy laws (GDPR for the EU and CCPA for California) to show compliance and reassure users about the security of their personal information. 7. Opt-Out for Ads and Other Advertising Settings Give users straightforward options to manage, limit, or opt out of targeted advertisements or data collection practices, demonstrating respect for their privacy preferences.
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* It doesn't display a cookie consent banner because users already provide their consent during the registration process. If that weren’t the case, a cookie consent prompt would be necessary.
Common reasons for rejection
Mistakes and violations
Phishing: websites or forms that lack the required advertising **disclosures and collect personal data (such as usernames, passwords, and payment details) under the pretext of offering official services.
Malware: hidden scripts that download and execute virus files on users’ devices.
Unwanted Software: applications or programs that covertly alter browser or system settings.
Social Engineering: banners or pop-ups with false virus warnings, urgent payment demands, or misleading buttons.
How to avoid these issues
Ensure that text and images do not contain deceptive elements or prohibited claims.
If redirecting users to a partner’s page, verify that the partner site does not host malicious content.
Implement all the required elements and rules pertaining to advertising for your local market as well as the global U.S. and EU markets.
Regularly conduct security audits, check for updates, and use tools to detect breaches. If advertising through intermediaries, ensure they also comply with GSB(Google Safe Browsing) standards.
Important: Ensure that flagged domains are properly addressed and appeals are submitted, rather than simply switching domains. Taking a thoughtful and thorough approach will help resolve underlying issues and prevent future challenges.
** Due to the tightening of requirements for web pages and the spread of phishing on the internet, practically any advertising landing page lacking the required labels or any page employing "grey" methods to optimize conversion can be regarded as phishing.
Actions to take in case of issues with Google Safe Browsing (GSB)
Step-by-step remediation plan
If your domain or advertising resource has been flagged as unsafe by Google Safe Browsing (GSB), follow this algorithm provided below.
Check Notifications
Log in to Google Search Console and review any warnings or reports about security issues.
Google will specify the exact links or type of threat (e.g., phishing, malware, etc.).
If you do not have access to Google Search Console, you can submit a request through the Report Incorrect Phishing Warning form. This is the quickest option but does not guarantee the removal of the block.
Problem Diagnosis
Scan your website using antivirus online services and the Google Safe Browsing Status tool.
Check server logs to identify suspicious requests.
Ensure all plugins, CMS, and libraries are up to date.
Removal of malicious code
Identify infected files and either delete them or replace them with backup copies. If using a CMS, update the system and its plugins. Remove any scripts or iframe links that direct users to malicious websites.
Important: Resolve the issue on all affected pages of your site. Fixing only some pages does not guarantee that parts of your site will reappear in search results.
Changing passwords and access credentials
After cleaning the site, it is essential to change all passwords for the server, databases, accounts, and API keys. Check for any accounts or access keys created by malicious actors.
Submitting a request for re-evaluation
Important:
After resolving all identified issues on all pages, proceed to Google Search Console.
In Google Search Console, go to the Security Issues section and select Request Review.
Submit a request detailing the actions taken to resolve the problem.
Important: A properly crafted request should include the following information:
A precise description of the issues identified on your site.
A summary of the measures you took to resolve them.
Evidence of the effectiveness of your actions.
Wait for the results of the re-evaluation from Google.
The review process usually takes a few days or weeks. If the issue is specific, such as link-related problems, the review may take longer. You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your request and another notification when the review is complete.
Do not submit a new request until you receive a final decision on the current one. Submitting a review request without fully resolving the issue may delay subsequent requests, and your site could be flagged as a Repeated Violations offender.
List of Security Issues and Instructions for Resolution
Below are possible security issues and instructions on how to resolve them:
Monitoring
Continue monitoring the status of your site in Google Search Console and reviewing logs for new potential threats.
Regularly scan the site for vulnerabilities.
Support Contacts
Google Search Console: The Security Issues section and the Support Center.
Google Forums: The Webmaster Help Forum, where experts and the community can provide solutions.
Hosting Provider Support: If the issue is server-related, request logs and assistance from your hosting provider to address vulnerabilities.
Additional Resources
Links to official documents and sources:
Summary
Use the provided links and tools to safeguard the security and quality of your advertising content, as following the outlined steps will help you prevent potential blocks and warnings, resolve any issues quickly and effectively, and reinforce trust in your brand and promotional platform among users and partners.