Google Policy Update: Malicious and unwanted Software

[TimEFX]

Hello everyone. We received the attached email notice from Google Merchant Center yesterday and it has me somewhat concerned. The notice basically lays out some updates to Google policies and in the notice they say they have determined this change may affect our account, but of course as with all things Google, they don't say what or how they determined it, so now it has left me trying to decipher what it means.

Does this notice mean that they think my site is compromised or that software is being forced downloaded to customers devices? We haven't had any complaints from customers or seen anything wacky going on, so I'm not sure where to even begin.

Has anyone else received this notice or something like it? Has anyone had to deal with this and how did you go about finding out if your site had malware or malicious software?

Thanks in advance!!!

[EmmanuelFlossie]

It's an informational email, explaining that the 1 policy is now split up on 3 policies.

It's very strange how so many merchants have misread this email. I have seen so many merchants panicking. There must be something in the email that Google did not explain properly.

Anyways, hope this puts your concerns at rest.

[TimEFX]

Hello and thanks for your response. I suppose I am concerned and other merchants would be concerned because of this specific language:

"We've determined that this policy change may affect your account"!

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Ah, that is indeed a concern, I believe this is due to past suspensions. Because non of my clients that never had a suspension have had this email.

Only the ones that had a specific suspension.

Did you have a past suspension?

[TimEFX]

Hello. No, our merchant and ad accounts have been in good standing from day 1 with zero suspensions ever. 

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Interesting, seems Google was very random with this email. Or it might indeed be something valid. I have not noticed anything at the moment.

[TimEFX]

Thanks. I've contacted Shopify support and they say their tools don't indicate any malware or malicious code on my site. I've run tests with a few third party tools they have recommended to use as well and nothing has come up.