Google has a set of policies in place to maintain a safe and trustworthy online advertising ecosystem. Part of these policies is a list of banned keywords that advertisers are not allowed to use in their pay-per-click (PPC) ad campaigns. These prohibited keywords include those related to illegal activities, adult content, counterfeit goods, and more. In this article, we’ll explore some of the banned keywords and trade names that Google does not allow ads for.

1. Illegal activities: Google prohibits ads for products or services related to illegal activities such as drug trafficking, counterfeiting, and piracy. Advertisers are also not allowed to promote products or services that facilitate illegal activities, such as hacking tools or fake identification documents.
2. Adult content: Ads for adult content, including pornography, are not allowed on Google’s advertising platform. This includes ads for adult websites, sex toys, and other related products.
3. Counterfeit goods: Ads for counterfeit goods are also prohibited on Google. This includes fake designer products, counterfeit medicines, and other products that infringe on intellectual property rights.
4. Weapons and explosives: Ads for weapons and explosives, including firearms, ammunition, and fireworks, are not allowed on Google’s advertising platform.
5. Tobacco and related products: Google also prohibits ads for tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Ads for e-cigarettes and other vaping products are also banned.
6. Gambling and games of chance: Ads for online gambling and games of chance, including online casinos and sports betting, are not allowed on Google’s advertising platform.
7. Misleading or harmful content: Google also prohibits ads for content that is misleading, harmful, or promotes unethical behavior. This includes ads for fake news, hate speech, and scams.

In addition to these banned keywords, Google also has a policy against the use of trade names. Advertisers are not allowed to use the trademarks or trade names of other companies in their ads unless they have permission from the trademark owner. This policy is in place to prevent confusion among consumers and protect the rights of trademark owners.

In conclusion, it’s crucial for advertisers to be aware of the banned keywords and trade name policies when creating their PPC campaigns. Violating these policies can result in penalties or even getting banned from the platform. Advertisers should make sure to review the policies and guidelines regularly to ensure that their campaigns comply with Google’s advertising policies and regulations.