New Google ad policy bans fake endorsements like the notorious ‘Shark Tank keto gummies’ [Video]

Google has announced an update to its advertising policies that officially bans ads with fake endorsements. The policy, which goes into effect next month, also bans advertising that impersonates a public figure or brand to promote a product or service.

It’s good news for Mark Cuban, and anyone who has ever been tricked or just annoyed by those scammy weight loss ads that falsely claim to be affiliated with Shark Tank. A report on those ads from adtech watchdog organization Check My Ads — first reported on by Mashable — appears to have had a potentially far-reaching impact on internet advertising.

“In March 2024, Google Ads will update the Unacceptable business practices portion of the Misrepresentation policy to include enticing users to part with money or information by impersonating or falsely implying affiliation with or endorsement by a public figure, brand, or organization,” reads the update posted on Google’s Advertising Policies change log.

This change comes after Google had previously claimed that …