Google has updated its manual action policies for Google News and Discover, introducing significant changes to its guidelines. The updates, made in late 2024, include the removal of outdated sections, revisions to existing policies, and the addition of new rules targeting deceptive practices. These changes highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and trustworthiness in content shared through its platforms.

What Has Changed?

The updates involve:

1. Policy Removals: The “Adult-themed content” and “Artificial freshening” sections have been removed.
2. Policy Updates: The “Hateful content” section has been renamed and refined.
3. New Additions: Five new sections targeting deceptive practices were added, including:
   • Coordinated Deceptive Practices: Misrepresentation of site ownership or purpose.
   • Good Neighbor Policy: Impersonation or concealment of content creators.
   • Impersonation: Misrepresentation of individuals or organizations.
   • Misrepresentation of Affiliation: Concealment of financial/editorial relationships.
   • Misrepresentation of Location: Hiding a website’s country of origin.

Why It Matters for Content Creators

These policy changes emphasize the importance of authenticity and accuracy in content creation. Websites failing to adhere to these guidelines risk manual action penalties, which can severely impact visibility in Google News and Discover. For publishers, especially in the Middle East, maintaining transparent practices is essential to building audience trust and avoiding penalization.

For more tips and a deeper understanding, don’t miss our Boost Your SEO with Google’s Content Creator Recognition for additional insights.

Key Takeaway for Marketing Managers

Marketing managers must ensure all published content complies with Google’s updated policies. Regularly audit your website to confirm transparency in content ownership, affiliations, and geographical representation. Adopting these best practices can help businesses in the Middle East maintain credibility and optimize their reach through Google’s platforms.