Google quietly added new settings inside Google Ads Location Manager, and they’re turned on by default.
There was no alert, no email, and no clear notice which means most advertisers won’t realize these settings exist unless they go looking.
What Is It & What’s New
There are now two settings to be aware of:
- Automated Location Assets (this already exists)
This isn’t brand new. It’s a duplicate of the existing automated location assets setting. If it’s enabled elsewhere, it now also appears enabled inside Location Manager. - Google-owned photos & media (new)
This is the important one.
It allows Google Ads to automatically use Google-owned photos and videos tied to your business locations in your ad campaigns.
Google says these assets come from places like Google Maps and are used to help improve performance.
Why You Should Care
This setting may not be harmful but it’s important to note:
- Enabled by default
- Buried deep in account settings
- Not clearly explained
In other words, Google makes the decision for you unless you manually opt out.
The Bigger Issue
This continues a pattern we see often in Google Ads:
- New automation features
- Pre-checked boxes
- No notification when they’re added
You’re not asked if you want it. You’re expected to notice it.
What To Do Now
If you manage Google Ads accounts, take a minute to:
- Go to Location Manager
- Review all location-level settings
- Turn off anything you don’t explicitly want Google using
Bottom Line
Even if this feature ends up being harmless, you should know it exists.
Google Ads is adding more automated permissions behind the scenes and staying in control means regularly checking settings you didn’t even know were there.
