Google Ads replaces CSAE policy with standalone Child Safety policy and two enforcement tiers from January 11, 2027

Google posted on October 22, 2026 that the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) ads policy will be redesigned as a standalone Child Safety policy, outside the Inappropriate Content policy, with enforcement starting January 11, 2027. The policy covers all content formats (audio, text, imagery and video, whether real, fictional, cartoon, AI-generated or edited) and splits violations into two labels. Egregious Child Safety Violations (for example CSAM, grooming, sextortion, child trafficking, sexualization of minors) lead to account suspension upon detection without prior warning. A new Other Child Safety Violations label covers content that is not inherently illegal but could be misused, such as non-sexual depictions of child nudity; these violations trigger a warning at least 7 days before any suspension.

Impact

Most advertisers are not affected, but brands in categories that show babies or children (baby care, apparel, family travel, photography, health) now have an explicit rule on non-sexual child nudity in ads and landing pages. A violation under the new second label can lead to suspension after a warning, so creative and landing page assets need checking. Google may review ads, websites, accounts and third-party sources when assessing violations.

Recommendations

Audit ads, image assets, videos and landing pages for clients in baby, family and children's categories for any depiction of child nudity before January 11, 2027
Add the Child Safety policy to creative review checklists, including AI-generated imagery
Brief creative teams and content partners on the two violation labels and their different enforcement consequences

Source: Google Advertising Policies Help