Google has quietly introduced an important update to its Google Ads account pausing policy—and it could affect more advertisers than expected.

⚠️ What Changed?

Google has added a new clause stating that individual accounts may be paused if they are linked to a Manager (MCC) account that violates Google’s third-party policy.

Here’s the exact wording from Google’s updated policy:

“We may pause your individual account if it is linked to a Manager account that is currently in violation of the third-party policy. To be able to serve ads again, you will need to unlink your individual account from the Manager account. If this action is required, you will be notified by an in-account notification and email notification with instructions on how to unlink your individual account.”

🧠 What This Means for Advertisers

Previously, policy violations typically affected only the account where the violation occurred. But now, your account can be penalized simply for being linked to a non-compliant Manager account—even if your own account is in perfect standing.

This change is now reflected at the bottom of Google’s official help center article on account pauses.

🛠️ What You Can Do About It

If your ads are paused due to this new policy:

• You’ll be notified directly in your Google Ads dashboard and via email.

• You’ll have the option to unlink your individual account from the violating Manager account.

• Once unlinked, your ads can resume serving.

This gives advertisers a clear recovery path—but it also puts more pressure on managing accounts (like agencies or consultants) to stay in full compliance with Google’s policies.

✅ Key Takeaway

If you rely on a Manager account to run or oversee your ads, you’re now partially responsible for their compliance.

To protect your account:

• Review your Manager account relationships

• Make sure your partners follow Google’s third-party policy

• Act fast if you receive a notice