I’m watching Google add a new layer of AI transparency to ads across Search, YouTube, and Discover. The company said its new How this ad was made section will appear inside My Ad Center, giving people a clearer view of whether AI played a role in the ad creative they see.
The panel will show whether an ad was created or modified with AI. I see this as a meaningful expansion of Google’s ad transparency tools, especially as more advertisers rely on generative AI to produce images, copy, and other campaign assets at scale.
What it looks like. I’ll be able to access the disclosure from the three-dot menu or the info icon on an ad. In the screenshot Google shared with Search Engine Land, the My Ad Center panel includes a dedicated section explaining how the ad was made.
Google will handle some disclosures. When advertisers use Google’s own generative AI ad tools, Google will automatically add the disclosure inside My Ad Center.
For advertisers using third-party AI tools, Google said they will have control over whether to disclose AI use. Depending on local requirements, an AI label may also appear directly on the ad, either automatically or after the advertiser uses that control.
Why I care. AI-generated ads are getting easier and faster to create, so disclosure matters more than ever. I want to know when creative was made or changed with AI because requirements can vary by market, platform, and ad format.
Existing ad rules still apply. Google said its ad policies still prohibit misleading or deceptive advertising, whether AI was involved or not. This update adds more visibility into how an ad was made, but it does not change the requirement that advertisers clearly identify who they are and what they are promoting.
Earlier AI safeguards. Google already embeds imperceptible signals, including SynthID, into content created with its generative AI tools. Election advertisers are also required to disclose synthetic or digitally altered content in political ads, under a policy Google introduced in 2023.
The announcement. Google shared more details in Expanding AI transparency in ads.
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
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