Dangerous products or services

Google provides translated versions of our Help Center, though they are not meant to change the content of our policies. The English version is the official language we use to enforce our policies. To view this article in a different language, use the language dropdown at the bottom of the page.

Display & Video 360 users must comply with this Google Ads policy. Visit the Display & Video 360 help center for additional restrictions.

For subtitles in your language, turn on YouTube captions. Select the settings icon at the bottom of the video player, then select "Subtitles/CC" and choose your language.

We want to help keep people safe both online and offline, so we don't allow the promotion of some products or services that cause damage, harm, or injury.

Below are some examples of products and services that we consider to be dangerous, which you should avoid in your ads or destinations.

Learn about what happens if you violate our policies.

Violations of the policies below will not lead to immediate account suspension without prior warning. A warning will be issued, at least 7 days, prior to any suspension of your account. Learn more about suspended accounts.

Explosives

The following is not allowed:

Ads for products that are designed to explode and could cause damage to nearby people or property

Examples (non-exhaustive): Nail bomb, chemical bomb, any fireworks that explode, firecrackers, grenades

Ads for instructional content about the assembly, enhancement, or acquisition of explosive items

Example (non-exhaustive): Bomb-making site, guides, software, or equipment for 3D printing of parts of grenades

Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.

Guns, gun parts, & related products

The following is allowed:

Ads for gun parts and associated items that increase the safety of a gun

Examples (non-exhaustive): Gun locks, trigger locks, safety pins, chamber block

The following is not allowed:

Ads for functional devices that appear to discharge a projectile at high velocity, whether for sport, self-defense, or combat

Note: We err on the side of caution and apply this policy to sporting or recreational guns that can cause serious harm if misused, or that appear to be real guns.

Examples (non-exhaustive): Handguns, rifles, shotguns, hunting guns, functioning antique guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns and activity as a service, bb guns, 3D-printed guns

Ads for any part or component, whether finished or unfinished, that's essential to or enhances the functionality of a gun

Examples (non-exhaustive): Ammunition, ammunition clips, silencers, tripods and bipods for guns, stocks, conversion kits, gun-grips, scopes and sights, bump stocks

Ads for instructions on the assembly or enhancement of the functionality of firearms

Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.

Other weapons

The following is not allowed:

Ads for knives that are designed or promoted (in modern-day usage) as products that can be used to injure an opponent in sport, self-defense, or combat

Ads for any knife design that provides a confrontational advantage (including disguised appearance or assisted-opening mechanism)

Examples (non-exhaustive): Switchblades, fighting knives, sword-canes, balisongs, military knives, push daggers, throwing axes

Ads for any other product that's designed to (in modern-day usage) injure an opponent in sport, self-defense, or combat

Examples (non-exhaustive): Throwing stars, brass knuckles, tasers, pepper spray

Ads for instructional content about the assembly, enhancement, or acquisition of any product covered under the Other weapons policy

Examples (non-exhaustive): Guides, software, or equipment for 3D printing of push daggers, brass knuckles, throwing stars

Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.

Recreational drugs

The following is allowed:

Ads for topical, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products with THC content of 0.3% or less

Examples (non-exhaustive): creams, sprays, roll-ons, lotions, bath bombs, candles

Certification

CBD advertisers must be certified by Google to serve ads. Advertisers are eligible to serve ads in California, Colorado, and Puerto Rico only. Certain formats, including YouTube Masthead, will not be eligible for serving. See how to apply below.

The following is not allowed:

Ads for substances that alter mental state for the purpose of recreation or otherwise induce "highs"

Examples (non-exhaustive): Cocaine, crystal meth, heroin and other illegal opioids, marijuana, cocaine substitutes, mephedrone, "legal highs"

Ads for products or services marketed as facilitating recreational drug use

Examples (non-exhaustive): Pipes, bongs, cannabis coffee shops

Ads for instructional content about producing, purchasing, or using recreational drugs

Examples (non-exhaustive): Forums to exchange tips or recommendations on drug use

Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.

Apply for certification to promote CBD

See the policy requirements and geographic limitations, and confirm that you meet those requirements.
Apply for certification:
- If you are a retailer in one of the states where we permit CBD promotions, please apply for certification with LegitScript before filling out the CBD application form in the Google Ads Help Center. To help prevent unnecessary delays, be sure to provide all of the requested information.

Sodium Nitrite

The following is not allowed:

red x mark Products with a concentration of more than 10% sodium nitrite

Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.

Tobacco

The following is not allowed:

Ads for tobacco or any products containing tobacco

Examples (non-exhaustive): Cigarettes, cigars, snus, chewing tobacco, rolling tobacco, pipe tobacco

Ads for products that form a component part of a tobacco product, as well as products and services that directly facilitate or promote tobacco consumption

Examples (non-exhaustive): Rolling papers, pipes, tobacco filters, hookah lounges, cigar bars

Ads for products designed to simulate tobacco smoking

Examples (non-exhaustive): Herbal cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes

Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.

Consumer advisories

The following is not allowed:

Ads for products which carry an imminent, proven and unresolved risk of death or grievous bodily harm, that have been the subject of a consumer advisory or product recalls

Examples (non-exhaustive): Crib bumpers, inclined sleepers linked to infant deaths

Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.

Need help?

If you have questions about our policies, contact Google Ads Support.

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?