Google is updating its Platforms programme policies on February 16, 2025, focusing on privacy and advertising. Key changes include stricter content regulations, new privacy disclosure requirements, and protections for users under 13, banning targeted ads and data collection from child-directed content. In the US and Canada, there are restrictions on targeting for housing, employment, and credit offers. The policy emphasizes data management and user consent.
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YouTube has launched a feature for creators to manage how their content is used for AI training by third parties. A new section in Studio Settings allows creators to specify which AI companies can use their content. Eligibility requires permission from creators and rights holders, along with Content ID compliance. YouTube will maintain protections against unauthorized access and plans to gather feedback and explore further collaborations.
YouTube is testing a feature that allows creators to respond to comments with voice recordings, enhancing interactions on the platform. A sound wave icon in the comment section enables creators to record and post audio replies. This feature is currently limited to a small number of creators in the U.S., can only be used on their own channels, and is available exclusively through the YouTube iOS app. All viewers can interact with these voice replies.
Google has expanded its AI-powered Product Studio to 15 new countries, bringing the total to 30. The new countries include Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine. Key features include generating lifestyle images, enhancing resolution, and background editing. The service is available through Merchant Center and the Google & YouTube app on Shopify.
YouTube is testing a multiplayer gaming feature on its YouTube Playables platform, allowing real-time multiplayer experiences. The initial phase includes two games: Ludo Club and Magic Tiles 3, available on desktop and mobile. This launch is the first step in expanding YouTube's gaming capabilities, with plans for future updates. The testing will be limited to specific games to refine the experience based on user feedback before a wider rollout.
Google has announced an administrative update to its Personalized advertising policy, effective December 6, 2024. This update is purely administrative, with no substantive changes to the policy or its enforcement. The core rules for advertisers remain unchanged. The goal is to improve the organization, clarity, and readability of the policy documentation, helping advertisers better understand and comply with existing requirements.
Google has raised the row limit for Connected Sheets for Looker pivot tables to 100,000, allowing for analysis of larger datasets in Google Sheets. This update is available to all Google Workspace customers, including individual and personal users. The integration supports over 60 databases, enabling users to combine Looker data with Sheets data and analyze large datasets directly. Users need access to their Looker instance URL to connect.
Google Analytics 4 has introduced two recommendations for key event tracking: 'Mark as Key Event' allows users to designate existing events for closer tracking, while 'Create Key Event' suggests new events from specific page views and marks them automatically. These features enhance insights, reporting, Google Ads performance measurement, and conversion tracking. Recommendations are accessible on the Home page and Insights hub, based on property history and settings.
In March 2025, Google will introduce a new Dating and Companionship Ads policy requiring advertiser certification for dating-related ads. The policy bans ads promoting underage dating, exploitative practices, and deceptive services. It also restricts certain categories like hookup sites and racy content. Enforcement begins on March 4, 2025, and advertisers must comply by completing certification or removing non-compliant ads before this date.
