Google Blocks 8.3 Billion Ads, Uncovered as Online Scam Hubs
Google blocked more than 8.3 billion digital ads worldwide throughout 2025. This figure rose significantly from 5.1 billion ads in the previous year.
Nevertheless, the number of advertiser accounts suspended in 2025 was far smaller compared to 2024. A total of 39.2 million advertiser accounts were sanctioned with suspensions in 2024, while in 2025 it was ‘only’ 24.9 million accounts.
According to Google’s report as covered by TechCrunch, among the 8.3 billion ads blocked in 2025, 602 million ads and 4 million advertiser accounts were related to online scams.
Breaking it down by country, Google removed 1.7 billion ads and suspended 3.3 million advertiser accounts in the United States (US). The majority were related to network abuse, scams, and content with sexual undertones.
In India, Google’s largest market country, the company blocked 483.7 million ads, nearly double from the previous year. However, suspended advertiser accounts decreased from 2.9 million in 2024 to 1.7 million in 2025.
Some of the predominant violations found in India related to trademark infringements, financial services, and copyright issues, cited from TechCrunch on Friday (17/4/2026).
In a virtual briefing, Keerat Sharma, VP and general manager of ad privacy and security at Google, told reporters that the company has shifted to more targeted and AI-based law enforcement.
In detail, blocking is more focused at the creative level, rather than suspending advertiser accounts. According to Sharma, this method has helped reduce misdirected suspensions by 80% year-on-year.
Sharma said Google’s layered defence system, including advertiser verification, is designed to prevent malicious actors from creating accounts from the outset. He stated that this has contributed to the decline in the number of advertiser account suspensions.
Furthermore, Sharma said the figures presented are likely to fluctuate over time as Google launches new defence systems that may prompt malicious actors to adapt.