Google is simplifying the disclosure process for political ads containing AI-generated content. Advertisers can now select an "altered or synthetic content" checkbox in their campaign settings, which triggers an automatic in-ad disclosure. This applies to feeds, YouTube Shorts on mobile devices, and in-stream ads on various platforms. However, advertisers must include their own disclosures for other ad formats.
Google's updated ad disclosure policy was triggered by concerns over the use of AI in political advertising, particularly regarding the potential misuse of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and the rise of deepfakes. The policy aims to combat election misinformation and increase transparency in political ads by requiring advertisers to disclose when their ads contain synthetic or digitally altered content.
Google's automatic disclosures for election ads containing synthetic or digitally altered content will appear in feeds and YouTube Shorts on mobile devices, as well as in-stream ads shown on phones, computers, TVs, and the web. Advertisers are responsible for including their own disclosures for all other ad formats.