Google LSA terms of service change - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T12:26:23Z

Added archive URLs for 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:26, 23 February 2026
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	These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the ambiguity regarding the specific data collected, when it is collected, and how it can be used by Google. Concern exists that data collection might go further beyond what is explicitly stated in the TOS, meaning that this data won't just be anonymized and used to improve Google's algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Conrad \|first=Saam \|date=2025-04-24 \|title=Google asserts ownership of all advertiser assets in Local Services Ads \|url=https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|url-status=live \|website=Search Engine Land \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251230040625/https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>		These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the ambiguity regarding the specific data collected, when it is collected, and how it can be used by Google. Concern exists that data collection might go further beyond what is explicitly stated in the TOS, meaning that this data won't just be anonymized and used to improve Google's algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Conrad \|first=Saam \|date=2025-04-24 \|title=Google asserts ownership of all advertiser assets in Local Services Ads \|url=https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|url-status=live \|website=Search Engine Land \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251230040625/https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality, such as legal services, insurance agencies and medical service providers may not be aware that they may need to re-assess their participation in the program. They may either agree to the new TOS and thereby abandon their duty of confidentiality or to stop using the service entirely, which would leave them at a competitive disadvantage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Konigsberg \|first=Josh \|date=2025-06-13 \|title=What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Google Local Service Ads Policy \|url=https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|url-status=live \|website=Law Firm Marketing Pros}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Apple \|first=Marc \|date=2025-04-30 \|title=Google Quietly Claims Ownership of Your Law Firm’s LSA Data \|url=https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|url-status=live \|website=Forward Push \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231113307/https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref>		Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality, such as legal services, insurance agencies and medical service providers may not be aware that they may need to re-assess their participation in the program. They may either agree to the new TOS and thereby abandon their duty of confidentiality or to stop using the service entirely, which would leave them at a competitive disadvantage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Konigsberg \|first=Josh \|date=2025-06-13 \|title=What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Google Local Service Ads Policy \|url=https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|url-status=live \|website=Law Firm Marketing Pros \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250916000750/https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|archive-date=16 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Apple \|first=Marc \|date=2025-04-30 \|title=Google Quietly Claims Ownership of Your Law Firm’s LSA Data \|url=https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|url-status=live \|website=Forward Push \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231113307/https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Google]]		[[Category:Google]]

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 5 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T05:23:36Z

Added archive URLs for 5 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:23, 23 February 2026
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	\|Description=		\|Description=
	}}		}}
	[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>		[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250914170014/https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|archive-date=14 Sep 2025}}</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==
	'''LSA''' is a program designed for businesses to advertise their services in the Google search engine as well as Google Maps. Once a business signs up, it will go through a verification process where the necessary licenses, certificates and insurance documents are verified by Google. Following this step, a business may receive a verification check mark and can officially start an ad campaign.		'''LSA''' is a program designed for businesses to advertise their services in the Google search engine as well as Google Maps. Once a business signs up, it will go through a verification process where the necessary licenses, certificates and insurance documents are verified by Google. Following this step, a business may receive a verification check mark and can officially start an ad campaign.

	If an ad campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>		If an ad campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104212316/https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|archive-date=4 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119145800/https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref>

	==Changes to the Terms of Service of the LSA program (US & Canada)==		==Changes to the Terms of Service of the LSA program (US & Canada)==
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	==How it affects consumers and businesses==		==How it affects consumers and businesses==
	These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the ambiguity regarding the specific data collected, when it is collected, and how it can be used by Google. Concern exists that data collection might go further beyond what is explicitly stated in the TOS, meaning that this data won't just be anonymized and used to improve Google's algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Conrad \|first=Saam \|date=2025-04-24 \|title=Google asserts ownership of all advertiser assets in Local Services Ads \|url=https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|url-status=live \|website=Search Engine Land}}</ref>		These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the ambiguity regarding the specific data collected, when it is collected, and how it can be used by Google. Concern exists that data collection might go further beyond what is explicitly stated in the TOS, meaning that this data won't just be anonymized and used to improve Google's algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Conrad \|first=Saam \|date=2025-04-24 \|title=Google asserts ownership of all advertiser assets in Local Services Ads \|url=https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|url-status=live \|website=Search Engine Land \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251230040625/https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality, such as legal services, insurance agencies and medical service providers may not be aware that they may need to re-assess their participation in the program. They may either agree to the new TOS and thereby abandon their duty of confidentiality or to stop using the service entirely, which would leave them at a competitive disadvantage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Konigsberg \|first=Josh \|date=2025-06-13 \|title=What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Google Local Service Ads Policy \|url=https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|url-status=live \|website=Law Firm Marketing Pros}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Apple \|first=Marc \|date=2025-04-30 \|title=Google Quietly Claims Ownership of Your Law Firm’s LSA Data \|url=https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|url-status=live \|website=Forward Push}}</ref>		Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality, such as legal services, insurance agencies and medical service providers may not be aware that they may need to re-assess their participation in the program. They may either agree to the new TOS and thereby abandon their duty of confidentiality or to stop using the service entirely, which would leave them at a competitive disadvantage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Konigsberg \|first=Josh \|date=2025-06-13 \|title=What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Google Local Service Ads Policy \|url=https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|url-status=live \|website=Law Firm Marketing Pros}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Apple \|first=Marc \|date=2025-04-30 \|title=Google Quietly Claims Ownership of Your Law Firm’s LSA Data \|url=https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|url-status=live \|website=Forward Push \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231113307/https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Google]]		[[Category:Google]]

Bythmusters: added cargo

2026-02-02T19:41:56Z

added cargo

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:41, 2 February 2026
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			{{IncidentCargo
			\|Company=Google
			\|StartDate=2025-06
			\|EndDate=
			\|Status=
			\|ProductLine=
			\|Product=
			\|ArticleType=
			\|Type=Advertising, Surveillance
			\|Description=
			}}
	[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>		[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: /* Changes to the Terms of Service of the LSA program (US & Canada) */ That’s the first time I’ve seen bold in title, and I hope that’ll be the last (can I do this edit just because I don’t like that?)

2025-10-19T20:28:25Z

Changes to the Terms of Service of the LSA program (US & Canada): That’s the first time I’ve seen bold in title, and I hope that’ll be the last (can I do this edit just because I don’t like that?)

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:28, 19 October 2025
Line 6:		Line 6:
	If an ad campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>		If an ad campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>

	==Changes to the Terms of Service of the ~~'''~~LSA~~'''~~ program (US & Canada)==		==Changes to the Terms of Service of the LSA program (US & Canada)==
	As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via '''LSA'''.		As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via '''LSA'''.

	One of the most notable additions to the TOS is the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from '''phone calls''' and '''text-based conversations''' between the business and the customer, which are for example, initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also occur when other methods of contacting a business through Google are used).		One of the most notable additions to the TOS is the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from '''phone calls''' and '''text-based conversations''' between the business and the customer, which are for example, initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also occur when other methods of contacting a business through Google are used).

	According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts. <ref name=":0" />		According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts. <ref name=":0" />

	==How it affects consumers and businesses==		==How it affects consumers and businesses==

Keith: Removed stub notice, fixed up some tone/grammar

2025-09-08T09:36:53Z

Removed stub notice, fixed up some tone/grammar

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:36, 8 September 2025
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	~~{{StubNotice}}~~

	[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>		[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>

Line 8:		Line 6:
	If an ad campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>		If an ad campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>

	==Changes to the Terms of Service of the '''LSA''' ~~Program~~ (US & Canada)==		==Changes to the Terms of Service of the '''LSA''' program (US & Canada)==
	As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via '''LSA'''.		As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via '''LSA'''.

	One of the most notable additions to the TOS is the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from '''phone calls''' and '''text-based conversations''' between the business and the customer, which are for example, initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also occur when other methods of contacting a business through Google are used.)		One of the most notable additions to the TOS is the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from '''phone calls''' and '''text-based conversations''' between the business and the customer, which are for example, initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also occur when other methods of contacting a business through Google are used).

	According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts. <ref name=":0" />		According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts. <ref name=":0" />

	==How it ~~Affects Consumers~~ and ~~Businesses~~==		==How it affects consumers and businesses==
	These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the ~~fact that is ambiguous what exact~~ data is collected, when it is collected and how it's used by Google. ~~Many fear~~ that data collection might go ~~far~~ beyond what is stated in the TOS ~~and~~ that this data won't just be used to improve Google's algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Conrad \|first=Saam \|date=2025-04-24 \|title=Google asserts ownership of all advertiser assets in Local Services Ads \|url=https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|url-status=live \|website=Search Engine Land}}</ref>		These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the ambiguity regarding the specific data collected, when it is collected, and how it can be used by Google. Concern exists that data collection might go further beyond what is explicitly stated in the TOS, meaning that this data won't just be anonymized and used to improve Google's algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Conrad \|first=Saam \|date=2025-04-24 \|title=Google asserts ownership of all advertiser assets in Local Services Ads \|url=https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|url-status=live \|website=Search Engine Land}}</ref>

	Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality, such as ~~lawyer~~ services, insurance agencies and medical service providers~~, can, in theory,~~ not be ~~part of~~ the ~~LSA~~ program ~~anymore~~. ~~The only options these companies have is to~~ either agree to the new TOS and thereby abandon their duty of confidentiality or to stop using the service entirely, which would leave them at a competitive disadvantage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Konigsberg \|first=Josh \|date=2025-06-13 \|title=What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Google Local Service Ads Policy \|url=https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|url-status=live \|website=Law Firm Marketing Pros}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Apple \|first=Marc \|date=2025-04-30 \|title=Google Quietly Claims Ownership of Your Law Firm’s LSA Data \|url=https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|url-status=live \|website=Forward Push}}</ref>		Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality, such as legal services, insurance agencies and medical service providers may not be aware that they may need to re-assess their participation in the program. They may either agree to the new TOS and thereby abandon their duty of confidentiality or to stop using the service entirely, which would leave them at a competitive disadvantage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Konigsberg \|first=Josh \|date=2025-06-13 \|title=What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Google Local Service Ads Policy \|url=https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|url-status=live \|website=Law Firm Marketing Pros}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Apple \|first=Marc \|date=2025-04-30 \|title=Google Quietly Claims Ownership of Your Law Firm’s LSA Data \|url=https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|url-status=live \|website=Forward Push}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Google]]		[[Category:Google]]

Mr Pollo at 21:22, 3 September 2025

2025-09-03T21:22:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 3 September 2025
Line 22:		Line 22:
	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
			[[Category:Google]]

Guacamole: some more polish

2025-09-02T20:29:01Z

some more polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:29, 2 September 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{StubNotice}}		{{StubNotice}}

	[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>		[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==
	'''LSA''' is a program designed for businesses to advertise their services in the Google search-engine as well as Google Maps. Once a business signs up it will go through a verification process where the necessary licenses, certificates and insurance documents are verified by Google. Following this step, a business may receive a verification check-mark and can officially start an ad-campaign.		'''LSA''' is a program designed for businesses to advertise their services in the Google search engine as well as Google Maps. Once a business signs up, it will go through a verification process where the necessary licenses, certificates and insurance documents are verified by Google. Following this step, a business may receive a verification check mark and can officially start an ad campaign.

	If an ad-campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to in an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>		If an ad campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>

	==Changes to the Terms of Service of the '''LSA''' Program (US & Canada)==		==Changes to the Terms of Service of the '''LSA''' Program (US & Canada)==
	As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via LSA.		As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via '''LSA'''.

	One of the most notable additions to the TOS ~~include~~ the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from '''phone calls''' and '''text-based conversations''' between the business and the customer which are for example initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also occur when other methods of contacting a business through Google are used)		One of the most notable additions to the TOS is the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from '''phone calls''' and '''text-based conversations''' between the business and the customer, which are for example, initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also occur when other methods of contacting a business through Google are used.)

	According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts. <ref name=":0" />		According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts. <ref name=":0" />

	==How it Affects Consumers and Businesses==		==How it Affects Consumers and Businesses==
	These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the fact, that is ambiguous what exact data is collected, when it is collected and how it's used by Google. Many fear, that data collection might go far beyond what is stated in the TOS and that this data won't just be used to improve ~~Googles~~ algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.		These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the fact that is ambiguous what exact data is collected, when it is collected and how it's used by Google. Many fear that data collection might go far beyond what is stated in the TOS and that this data won't just be used to improve Google's algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Conrad \|first=Saam \|date=2025-04-24 \|title=Google asserts ownership of all advertiser assets in Local Services Ads \|url=https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 \|url-status=live \|website=Search Engine Land}}</ref>

			Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality, such as lawyer services, insurance agencies and medical service providers, can, in theory, not be part of the LSA program anymore. The only options these companies have is to either agree to the new TOS and thereby abandon their duty of confidentiality or to stop using the service entirely, which would leave them at a competitive disadvantage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Konigsberg \|first=Josh \|date=2025-06-13 \|title=What Lawyers Need to Know About the New Google Local Service Ads Policy \|url=https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ \|url-status=live \|website=Law Firm Marketing Pros}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Apple \|first=Marc \|date=2025-04-30 \|title=Google Quietly Claims Ownership of Your Law Firm’s LSA Data \|url=https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ \|url-status=live \|website=Forward Push}}</ref>

	Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality such as lawyer services, insurance agencies and medical service providers can, in theory, not be part of the LSA program anymore. The reason for this is that the LSA program undermines this exact confidentiality. Since the only options are either to agree to the new TOS or stop using the service entirely, businesses of these sectors will be left at a disadvantage.
	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist~~}}Articles:~~		{{reflist}}

	~~https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ (law-industry marketing)~~

	~~https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ (law-industry marketing)~~

	~~https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 (search marketing industry)~~

	~~Google:~~

	~~LSA program:~~

	~~https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/~~

	~~In-depth LSA program:~~

	~~https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA~~

	~~TOS changes:~~

	~~https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en<nowiki/>{{Ph-I-C~~}}

Guacamole: some polish

2025-09-02T13:16:50Z

some polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:16, 2 September 2025
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	{{StubNotice}}		{{StubNotice}}

	[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze phone calls and chat messages between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.		[[Google]] changed the terms of service for their ''''L'''ocal '''S'''ervices '''A'''ds' program in the US and Canada. These changes allow Google to collect and analyze '''phone calls''' and '''chat messages''' between businesses and customers who got in contact via an advertisement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date= \|title=Google Local Services Ads Additional Terms for Providers \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==
	'''LSA''' is a program designed for businesses to advertise their services in the Google search-engine as well as Google Maps. Once a business signs up it will go through a verification process where the necessary licenses, certificates and insurance documents are verified by Google. Following this step, a business may receive a verification check-mark and can officially start an ad-campaign.		'''LSA''' is a program designed for businesses to advertise their services in the Google search-engine as well as Google Maps. Once a business signs up it will go through a verification process where the necessary licenses, certificates and insurance documents are verified by Google. Following this step, a business may receive a verification check-mark and can officially start an ad-campaign.

	If an ad-campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to in an increased reach and may attract more customers.		If an ad-campaign is started, the respective business will appear higher in Google search results and be marked with the word 'sponsored'. This leads to in an increased reach and may attract more customers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Getting started with Local Services Ads \|url=https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA \|url-status=live \|website=Support Google}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Local Services Ads \|url=https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/ \|url-status=live \|website=Business Google}}</ref>

	==Changes to the Terms of Service of the '''LSA''' Program (US & Canada)==		==Changes to the Terms of Service of the '''LSA''' Program (US & Canada)==
	As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via LSA.		As of June 2025, Google requires participating companies to comply with their new terms of service in order to continue advertising via LSA.

	One of the most notable additions to the TOS include the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from phone calls and text-based conversations between the business and the customer which are for example initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also ~~be the case with~~ other methods of contacting a business through Google)		One of the most notable additions to the TOS include the right for Google to collect and analyze different types of data from '''phone calls''' and '''text-based conversations''' between the business and the customer which are for example initialized through the click on an LSA advertisement. (This data collection may also occur when other methods of contacting a business through Google are used)

	According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts.		According to Google, data collection '''includes but is not limited to''' photos, service descriptions, special offers, pricing information and discounts. <ref name=":0" />

	==How it Affects Consumers and Businesses==		==How it Affects Consumers and Businesses==
Line 19:		Line 19:

	Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality such as lawyer services, insurance agencies and medical service providers can, in theory, not be part of the LSA program anymore. The reason for this is that the LSA program undermines this exact confidentiality. Since the only options are either to agree to the new TOS or stop using the service entirely, businesses of these sectors will be left at a disadvantage.		Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality such as lawyer services, insurance agencies and medical service providers can, in theory, not be part of the LSA program anymore. The reason for this is that the LSA program undermines this exact confidentiality. Since the only options are either to agree to the new TOS or stop using the service entirely, businesses of these sectors will be left at a disadvantage.

	~~{{Ph-I-ConR}}~~


	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}Articles:		{{reflist}}Articles:

Guacamole: Guacamole moved page Changes to the ToS of Google's Local Services Ads introduce collection of sensitive call data to Google LSA terms of service change: Misspelled title: Not in sentence case: I decided on a shorter and clearer Title

2025-09-02T09:18:34Z

Guacamole moved page Changes to the ToS of Google's Local Services Ads introduce collection of sensitive call data to Google LSA terms of service change: Misspelled title: Not in sentence case: I decided on a shorter and clearer Title

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:18, 2 September 2025
(No difference)

Guacamole: modified sources slightly

2025-09-02T08:34:00Z

modified sources slightly

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:34, 2 September 2025
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	These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the fact, that is ambiguous what exact data is collected, when it is collected and how it's used by Google. Many fear, that data collection might go far beyond what is stated in the TOS and that this data won't just be used to improve Googles algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.		These changes affect the privacy of businesses and consumers alike due to the fact, that is ambiguous what exact data is collected, when it is collected and how it's used by Google. Many fear, that data collection might go far beyond what is stated in the TOS and that this data won't just be used to improve Googles algorithms, but also to expand the hidden profiles of Google users with highly sensitive information.

	Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality such as lawyer services, insurance agencies and medical service providers can, in theory, not be part of the LSA program anymore. The reason for this is that the LSA program undermines this exact confidentiality. Since the only options are either to agree to the new TOS or stop using the service entirely, businesses of these sectors will be at a disadvantage.		Many businesses in sectors which require confidentiality such as lawyer services, insurance agencies and medical service providers can, in theory, not be part of the LSA program anymore. The reason for this is that the LSA program undermines this exact confidentiality. Since the only options are either to agree to the new TOS or stop using the service entirely, businesses of these sectors will be left at a disadvantage.

	{{Ph-I-ConR}}		{{Ph-I-ConR}}
Line 26:		Line 26:
	{{reflist}}Articles:		{{reflist}}Articles:

	https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561		https://forwardpush.com/blog/google-quietly-claims-ownership-of-your-law-firms-lsa-call-data/ (law-industry marketing)

			https://lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/ (law-industry marketing)

			https://searchengineland.com/google-asset-ownership-local-services-ads-454561 (search marketing industry)

			Google:

			LSA program:

	https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/		https://business.google.com/us/ad-solutions/local-service-ads/

	~~https~~:~~//lawfirmmarketingpros.com/what-lawyers-need-to-know-about-the-new-google-local-service-ads-policy/~~		In-depth LSA program:

	~~Google~~:		https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA

			TOS changes:

	~~https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/6224841?co=GENIE.CountryCode%3DUS&sjid=2416158513707060248-NA<nowiki/>~~https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en<nowiki/>{{Ph-I-C}}		https://support.google.com/localservices/answer/7501778?hl=en<nowiki/>{{Ph-I-C}}