Google will update its AdMob Approved Buyers Pharmaceuticals policy in January 2026, allowing prescription drug and drug service ads in select markets – without requiring Google’s certification – while strengthening transparency on what remains strictly prohibited.
What is changing. The policy will be renamed to “Pharmaceutical Products and Services” and updated to allow Authorized Buyers to promote prescription drugs and drug services in certain countries where local law allows, without requiring a Google certificate as typically authorized in Google ads.
Although access is increasing, the underlying laws are not, as policy language is still being restructured to improve clarity and readability rather than loosening enforcement.
Why do we care. This update expands access to pharmaceutical advertising listings without requiring Google certification, creating new access and competitive pressure on programmatic auctions. It also shifts more compliance responsibility to advertisers, increasing the risk of policy violations if geo-targeting and creative controls are not tightly controlled.
Even non-pharmaceutical advertisers can be affected as increased pharmacy demand and the presence of advertisements can affect pricing, product safety, and placement strategies.
What is still blocked. Advertisements for clinical trials, miracle cures, unapproved supplements, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, addiction treatment and recovery services, emergency phone numbers, and speculative or experimental treatments (including stem cell and gene therapy) remain prohibited throughout the Google Partner Inventory.
Between the lines. Google is expanding the reach while pushing the limit down. By removing certification requirements for Authorized Buyers but maintaining strong location and content controls, Google shifts the compliance risk onto buyers and publishers.
What you have to do now. App publishers using AdMob should review category blocking and ad controls to ensure that unwanted pharmacy ads do not appear, especially as the inventory is eligible. Buyers should prepare for country-by-country use and check the product carefully.
Bottom line. Google is opening the door wide for pharmaceutical advertising in regulated areas – but the rules are still complex, localized, and unforgiving to those who do it wrong.
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