The landscape of Google Ads is evolving again as Google strengthens its policies to protect users and improve trust in digital advertising. Beginning August 1, advertisers who rely on message assets in their campaigns will be required to verify any phone numbers connected to these ads. If verification is not completed by the deadline, message assets will be disapproved and will no longer serve. This update follows a series of measures Google has been implementing to reduce fraud and abuse across its advertising platforms.
Understanding the Policy Expansion
Up to this point, Google’s requirement for phone number verification was mainly applicable to call-only ads, call extensions, and location extensions. These formats involve direct user contact and have long been susceptible to misuse. With this new change, message assets will be brought into the same verification framework. Message assets allow users to connect with businesses via text message directly from an ad, offering a convenient communication channel but also introducing risks when phone numbers are unverified or used deceptively.
By including message assets in the Unverified Phone Number policy, Google is closing a gap that could allow fraudulent advertisers to exploit messaging features to gather personal information or engage in misleading outreach. The decision to broaden verification requirements signals Google’s intention to make the entire ad ecosystem safer and more transparent.
Key Compliance Dates for Advertisers
The implementation of this policy follows a clear timeline. Advertisers planning to create new message assets must ensure that their phone numbers are verified before August 1. If the numbers are not verified by that date, new message assets will automatically be disapproved and prevented from serving. For advertisers with existing message assets already live, Google is offering a grace period until September 1 to complete verification. After this date, any non-compliant phone numbers associated with message assets will also be disapproved.
This staggered timeline gives businesses time to adapt, but it also means that the verification process should begin as soon as possible. Verifying a phone number is not necessarily instantaneous, especially if there are discrepancies or technical issues. Advertisers are encouraged to start reviewing all phone numbers used across their campaigns to avoid last-minute disruptions.
The Reasons Behind the Change
The main driver behind this update is the need to improve user trust and reduce the risk of scams and spam. As more users engage with businesses directly through ads, the opportunity for bad actors to exploit these interactions has increased. Verified phone numbers help Google confirm that the advertiser is a legitimate business entity and that users who respond to a message asset are actually communicating with the intended company.
This emphasis on trust aligns with broader trends across digital advertising. Platforms are under pressure from regulators and consumer advocates to take stronger action against deceptive practices. Verification allows Google to establish a safer setting for advertisers and users to interact honestly.
How Verification Impacts Ad Performance
Beyond the obvious risk of disapprovals, failing to comply with the new verification requirements can impact overall ad performance. Message assets are designed to drive direct engagement, and they can play a significant role in generating leads or nurturing customer relationships. If these assets are disapproved, advertisers may experience reduced click-through rates and fewer conversions.
Moreover, having verified phone numbers can improve the credibility of an ad. Users are more likely to engage when they feel confident that they are communicating with a verified business rather than an anonymous or questionable source. This improved perception can translate into higher engagement rates, better return on ad spend, and stronger overall campaign performance.
What Advertisers Should Do Now
The most important action advertisers should take is to start the verification process for any phone numbers linked to their message assets. This involves logging into the Google Ads account, navigating to the phone number settings for message assets, and following Google’s verification instructions. Google has published detailed guidance explaining each step of the process and how to resolve issues if a number cannot be verified immediately.
If a phone number fails verification, it will be flagged in the account, and advertisers will have an opportunity to correct the issue. Common problems include mismatches between the phone number and the business domain or documentation that does not clearly confirm ownership of the number. Prompt attention to these issues will help ensure campaigns continue running without interruption.
The Broader Push for Ad Quality and Transparency
This move is not happening in isolation. Google has been steadily tightening its ad policies to fight abuse and maintain the integrity of its advertising ecosystem. From identity verification requirements for advertisers to stricter rules around financial products and health-related advertising, the company has been clear that transparency and accountability are priorities.
In the case of message assets, the risks are particularly high because these ads create a direct communication channel. Unverified numbers could be used to impersonate businesses, collect sensitive user data, or carry out scams. Requiring verification is a practical step to ensure that users can trust the advertisers they engage with.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Advertisers who fail to verify their phone numbers by the deadlines should expect to see immediate disapprovals in their accounts. Once disapproved, message assets will stop serving entirely, meaning users will no longer see the option to initiate a conversation. This not only disrupts user experience but can also have a negative effect on campaign metrics such as conversions and engagement rates.
Additionally, persistent noncompliance could signal to Google that an advertiser is unwilling or unable to meet transparency standards, which could affect the advertiser’s overall standing within the platform. Over time, this may lead to increased scrutiny or additional verification requirements.
A Chance to Strengthen Customer Relationships
While this policy change introduces new requirements, it also offers an opportunity for businesses to reinforce their credibility. Verified phone numbers can reassure customers that they are interacting with a legitimate company. As digital advertising becomes more competitive and users become more cautious about sharing personal information, trust is a crucial differentiator.
Advertisers who proactively verify their phone numbers not only avoid disruptions but also demonstrate their commitment to transparency. This can be a selling point in marketing materials and customer communications, further building confidence and loyalty.
Final Thoughts on the New Verification Policy
The requirement to verify phone numbers for message assets is part of Google’s larger commitment to maintaining a secure and trustworthy advertising platform. Advertisers who rely on direct messaging as part of their customer acquisition strategy must act quickly to review and verify all phone numbers used in their campaigns. By completing this process before the August 1 deadline for new assets and the September 1 cutoff for existing ones, businesses can ensure uninterrupted ad delivery and continue building valuable connections with their audiences.
As with any policy change, preparation is key. Staying informed and taking action early will help advertisers avoid last-minute surprises and protect the performance of their campaigns in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.