February 2024
In February 2024, Free listings will update the Inappropriate content policy to clarify the definition of Sensitive Events.
A "Sensitive Event" is an unforeseen event or development that creates significant risk to Google's ability to provide high quality, relevant information and ground truth, and reduce insensitive or exploitative content in prominent features. During a Sensitive Event, we may take a variety of actions to address these risks.
Examples of Sensitive Events include events with significant social, cultural, or political impact, such as civil emergencies, natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and related activities, conflict, or mass acts of violence.
Examples of what we prohibit (non-exhaustive):
- Products that exploit, dismiss, or condone the Sensitive Event, including price gouging or artificially inflating prices that prohibits/restricts access to vital supplies; offers for products which may be insufficient for the demand during a Sensitive Event
- Using keywords related to a Sensitive Event to attempt to drive additional traffic
- Claims that victims of a Sensitive Event were responsible for their own tragedy or similar instances of victim blaming; claims that victims of a Sensitive Event are not deserving of remedy or support; claims that victims from certain countries were responsible or deserving of a global public health crisis