New “trap” in Google Ads – Location manager, turned on by default

[potatodrinker]

Classic Google. There’s also a deeply hidden menu in Assets to turn off all the dynamic and automated crap. I wrote a guide on LinkedIn I can paraphrase here if anyone is interested. Takes 6ish steps. Quite naughty of googs

[QuantumWolf99]

This setting lets Google pull random images from its own library and stick them in your location-based ads without your approval… huge problem for regulated industries or brands with strict guidelines because unapproved creative can suddenly appear live with zero notification.

Go to Shared Library > Location Manager > Settings and disable “Google Owned Location Data” now because this is enabled by default and you’ll only find out Google added generic stock photos when compliance flags it or clients complain about off-brand imagery.

This is what I call google’s playbook of quietly enabling automation that erodes advertiser control… same as auto-applied recommendations except now they’re literally changing your ad creative not just bids, which is way more dangerous for brand integrity and legal compliance.

[Late_Sun_8834]

Google sneaking in shit like this by default is so annoying, they know most people won’t even notice. Thanks for the heads up, gonna check this right now before it messes with my campaigns.

[sile89]

Thank you for the tip! Have already all the automated shit turned off but going to disable this now for all our accounts too.
Is there a way to turn this off with Google ads editor?

[PPC_Princess]

Thanks for the heads up!

[RealisticIllusions82]

Absolutely zero respect for anything anymore. They have their heads to far up their arrogant AI asses. Seriously wish they had a contender at this point, but they don’t. Looks like they mostly already handled OpenAI

[Negative_Emphasis244]

Is this only affecting ad accounts that are connected to a GBP or also affecting any search ads?

[Hop2thetop_Dont_Stop]

I feel like Google violates their own policies all the time. Wouldn’t this fall under “unethical business practices” aka “misrepresentation” in their own words:

“Ads or destinations that deceive users by excluding relevant product information or providing misleading information about products, services, and businesses can compromise user trust in the Google Ads platform. The Misrepresentation policy strives to ensure that ads are clear, honest, and provide information that users need to make informed decisions. ”

How can we make informed decisions when features like this are by default turned on, and hidden from even more seasoned agency people?

Crazy.