Fix Google Ads Disapproved for Shopify due to Unsafe Domain

In the world of e-commerce, Google Ads plays a crucial role in driving traffic and sales. However, encountering ad disapprovals can be a frustrating experience for online store owners. One particularly perplexing issue that has recently affected many Shopify merchants is the disapproval of ads due to an unsafe domain. This blog post will delve into the root cause of this problem and provide a step-by-step guide to resolving it.

Understanding the Issue

The Mysterious Bad Link

Many Shopify store owners have reported receiving notifications from Google Ads stating that their ads were disapproved due to a bad link. The most common culprit identified is a domain named “googie-analytics[.]com”. What’s particularly confusing is that this domain doesn’t appear to exist in the store’s code or settings.

The Widespread Nature of the Problem

This issue isn’t isolated to a few stores. Numerous Shopify merchants have reported experiencing the same problem, with their Google Ads being disapproved around the same time period. This suggests a more systemic issue rather than individual store problems.

The Polyfill Connection

After extensive investigation, it has been discovered that the root cause of this issue is related to a compromised library called Polyfill. This library, which is commonly used to ensure compatibility across different browsers, has been identified as the source of the problem.

The Solution: Removing Polyfill References

The Official Fix

The accepted solution to this problem, as confirmed by Shopify, is to manually remove any references to polyfill.io in your theme. This step is crucial in resolving the Google Ads disapproval issue.

Steps to Remove Polyfill

1. Access your Shopify theme editor
2. Search for any instances of “polyfill.io” in your theme files
3. Remove or comment out any code that references polyfill.io
4. Save your changes and publish your updated theme

Verifying the Fix

After removing polyfill references, it’s important to:

1. Re-submit your sitemap to Google Search Console
2. Request a manual review of your ads from Google Ads support

Additional Measures to Ensure Ad Approval

Checking for Malware

While the polyfill issue is the primary cause, it’s always a good idea to ensure your site is free from any malicious software. Use tools like Screaming Frog or SEMrush to scan your site for any problematic links or code.

Updating Your Theme

Keeping your Shopify theme up-to-date can help prevent security issues. Consider updating to the latest version of your theme if you haven’t done so recently.

Reviewing Third-Party Apps

Some third-party apps may inject code that could potentially trigger Google’s security measures. Review your installed apps and remove any that are no longer in use or seem suspicious.

Understanding the Broader Context

The Supply Chain Attack

This issue is part of a larger supply chain attack that has affected over 100,000 websites. The compromised Polyfill library was being used to redirect visitors away from intended websites without the site owners’ knowledge.

Google’s Response

Google has been proactive in addressing this issue. They’ve sent out emails to affected advertisers, explaining the situation and providing guidance on how to resolve it. This demonstrates the seriousness of the issue and Google’s commitment to maintaining a safe advertising ecosystem.

The Importance of Vigilance

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regularly reviewing and updating your website’s code and dependencies. Even widely-used libraries can become compromised, potentially affecting your site’s security and advertising capabilities.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, Shopify store owners should be able to resolve the Google Ads disapproval issue related to the unsafe domain. Remember to stay vigilant, keep your themes and apps updated, and regularly review your site’s security to prevent similar issues in the future.