If you’re any sort of advertiser or digital marketer, you’ve probably come across or had to use Google Analytics, the world’s most widely used Analytics tool, and Google Ads, the dominant search advertising platform that funds Google’s monopolistic ventures.
This article is dedicated to providing direct evidence that Google is intentionally banning advertisers from it’s platform that use Google Analytics direct competitor, a tool formerly called Piwik but now marketed under Matomo.
Inside of Google Ads platform, search ads are judged according to robotic policy, and in today’s case, Ads that direct to websites that have Matomo installed (the analytics tool) are being banned via a “Malicious Software” Policy.
This is actually a known issue in Matomo’s documentation and in their support threads.
Apparently Matomo users have been experiencing this ban since 2019, despite claims from Google that this has been fixed.
What are the consequences of this ban? Likely losses of revenue in the 6 and 7 figures, depending on how many ad accounts have been affected by this.
Or how about this comment:
Link to this thread here:
https://forum.matomo.org/t/adwords-campaign-rejected-for-google-matomo-javascript-is-a-malware/35131
Here is another popular online tweet showcasing this issue is being experienced worldwide.
This is a screenshot from their development team contacting Google, trying to remediate this issue. Apparently their communications have fallen on deaf ears.
Why is this such an issue?
If Google can ban companies at will from using it’s advertising platform, which is a major source of revenue for many organizations, then they effectively have the ability to eradicate competitors from their Analytics market. In this case, Piwik / Matomo has been around for almost 2 decades with millions of installations, and yet, Google will ban any site that has Matomo installed.
Remember: Matomo is the only direct replacement or privacy-focused Analytics tool that can be self hosted – meaning that the data it collect ISN’T shared with Google.
In this case, Matomo has certainly lost revenue due to this ban, and a legal professional may be able to reveal that they are eligible for damages.
Matomos Official Documentation on this Issue
What does Google Ads Support Have to Say?
After we completely removed Matomo – via Google Tag Manager – any and all policies should be cleared and we can go back to advertising… right?
Incorrect.
On the 3rd support request with Google, their team scanned the infringing site with an internal tool:
The links they provided were as follows:
Here are the links detected by our system:
https://matomo.DELETEDFORPRIVACY/matomo.js,
https://matomo.DELETEDFORPRIVACY/matomo.php?action_name=Emergency%20Roadside%20Assistance%20for%20Truck%20and%20Trailers&idsite=3&rec=1&r=685745&h=4&m=55&s=53&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffastfleetrs.com%2Froadside%2F%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3DAlpha-Nashville-Truck~Roadside%20Truck%20Repair%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIwtqs5vSo8gIV4To4Ch2Ndg5sEAAYASAAEgIqJfD_BwE&urlref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&_id=002dd13fcc15d070&_idn=1&_rcn=Alpha-Nashville-Truck~Roadside%20Truck%20Repair&_refts=1628682953&_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&send_image=0&cookie=1&res=360×772&pv_id=rKUTRf&pf_net=79&pf_srv=950&pf_tfr=1,
https://matomo.DELETEDFORPRIVACY/plugins/HeatmapSessionRecording/configs.php?idsite=3&trackerid=0D8l0l&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffastfleetrs.com%2Froadside%2F%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3DAlpha-Nashville-Truck~Roadside%20Truck%20Repair%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIwtqs5vSo8gIV4To4Ch2Ndg5sEAAYASAAEgIqJfD_BwE
Except, support can’t verify if these are internal links or external links. They don’t provide any direction on how to remediate this other than recommend checking with the web developer.
But looking at the Javascript and tracking codes loaded on the page, there is no Matomo installation or JS loading anymore.
Notice, plenty of Google Products installed. No Matomo.
Upon further inquiry to find these links… we get another walled garden from Google.
I see… so not even Google’s outsourced support can actually give direction.
When explained to this support rep that we’ve
- removed Matomo
- Matomo isn’t installed on the site anymore
- the links they provided aren’t on the site
- and yet are banning the site for matomo not being on the site
They request to send us the security section of Google Search Console report, which shows the following:
Oddly enough… even Google’s webmaster tools and systems know that there isn’t any sort of Malicious Software.
Why is Google Ads permitted to do this to a competitor product?
Is Google Ads unfairly targeting and banning competitors to its products from being installed on advertisers sites? If this is a known issue and many users are experiencing it, why hasn’t Google done anything to fix this?
Status Quo for Google’s Antitrust behavior
“In the last decade, the EU has fined Google over €8 billion (around $9.5 billion) over various antitrust violations, Reuters previously noted.” (reuters.com)
Comments from the parties involved
We’ve reached out to the following parties for comment or feedback
- Matomo Support & Developers
- FTC Chairwomen Lina Khan
- Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law
- https://judiciary.house.gov/subcommittees/subcommittee/?SubcommitteeID=14930
- https://twitter.com/HouseJudiciary
0 Responses
This resource contains a lot of captivating and helpful information.
On the website, you can explore a wide range of subjects that help you learn new things.
Users will appreciate the information shared through this platform.
Each section is organized clearly, making it simple to use.
The articles are presented professionally.
The site includes information on various fields.
No matter if you seek useful facts, this site has a lot to offer.
Overall, this site is a reliable place for curious minds.
https://obceamesta.info/
https://sfzev.de/
This website provides a lot of fascinating and useful information.
On the website, you can find various materials that expand knowledge.
Everyone will value the information shared through this platform.
Each section is organized clearly, making it simple to use.
The posts are presented professionally.
You can find guides on numerous themes.
No matter if you seek practical advice, this site has something for everyone.
To sum up, this platform is a great source for those who love learning.
https://ahmadsakr.com/
https://roborant.info/
This website features a lot of fascinating and useful information.
On this platform, you can find different articles that expand knowledge.
Users will appreciate the resources shared through this platform.
Every category is easy to navigate, making it convenient to use.
The content are relevant and engaging.
There are recommendations on various fields.
Whether your interest is in useful facts, this site has a lot to offer.
Overall, this resource is a reliable place for information seekers.
https://obceamesta.info/
https://casinopanatetsverige.com/
The site offers a lot of captivating and helpful information.
On this platform, you can explore various materials that expand knowledge.
Visitors will value the materials shared on this site.
Every page is well-structured, making it convenient to use.
The posts are presented professionally.
It’s possible to find recommendations on various fields.
No matter if you seek inspiration, this site has something for everyone.
Overall, this platform is a great source for information seekers.
https://borny.info/
https://slotspass.de/
This website provides a lot of interesting and helpful information.
On the website, you can find a wide range of subjects that expand knowledge.
Users will enjoy the content shared through this platform.
Each section is well-structured, making it convenient to use.
The articles are presented professionally.
It’s possible to find guides on various fields.
No matter if you seek educational content, this site has what you’re looking for.
Overall, this platform is a reliable place for those who love learning.
https://roborant.info/
https://ahmadsakr.com/
This resource offers a lot of engaging and valuable information.
On this platform, you can explore various materials that provide insights.
Everyone will value the content shared here.
Every page is easy to navigate, making it comfortable to use.
The content are presented professionally.
You can find information on different subjects.
If you want to find educational content, this site has a lot to offer.
To sum up, this site is a excellent platform for those who love learning.
https://companysites.info/
https://tango-city.de/
This resource contains a lot of captivating and valuable information.
Here, you can discover various materials that broaden your horizons.
Everyone will enjoy the materials shared here.
Each section is thoughtfully designed, making it comfortable to use.
The materials are presented professionally.
You can find information on many areas.
Whether your interest is in educational content, this site has something for everyone.
In general, this website is a great source for those who love learning.
https://bloodisblood-movie.com/
https://laim24.de/
This resource offers a lot of captivating and useful information.
On this platform, you can explore a wide range of subjects that expand knowledge.
Visitors will benefit from the content shared through this platform.
Every page is easy to navigate, making it pleasant to use.
The posts are presented professionally.
The site includes guides on various fields.
No matter if you seek practical advice, this site has something for everyone.
All in all, this website is a excellent platform for those who love learning.
https://pz-rlp.de/
https://companysites.info/
This website contains a lot of fascinating and valuable information.
Here, you can find different articles that broaden your horizons.
Visitors will benefit from the content shared on this site.
Each section is thoughtfully designed, making it comfortable to use.
The articles are easy to understand.
It’s possible to find recommendations on different subjects.
Whether your interest is in useful facts, this site has a lot to offer.
To sum up, this website is a valuable hub for those who love learning.
https://rublevo.info/
This online platform offers a lot of fascinating and useful information.
Here, you can find various materials that expand knowledge.
Everyone will value the resources shared on this site.
All topics is easy to navigate, making it convenient to use.
The content are easy to understand.
The site includes tips on different subjects.
If you want to find practical advice, this site has what you’re looking for.
All in all, this website is a excellent platform for people who enjoy discovering new things.
https://borny.info/
This online platform contains a lot of captivating and useful information.
On this platform, you can learn about a wide range of subjects that expand knowledge.
Readers will value the content shared here.
Each section is well-structured, making it convenient to use.
The posts are presented professionally.
The site includes tips on numerous themes.
Whether you’re looking for practical advice, this site has something for everyone.
All in all, this resource is a great source for information seekers.
https://sppiotrowice.info/
This online platform features a lot of captivating and valuable information.
Here, you can discover different articles that provide insights.
Readers will value the content shared on this site.
All topics is easy to navigate, making it convenient to use.
The content are relevant and engaging.
You can find recommendations on various fields.
Whether your interest is in useful facts, this site has something for everyone.
To sum up, this site is a reliable place for curious minds.
https://laim24.de/
This online platform features a lot of interesting and helpful information.
On this platform, you can find various materials that broaden your horizons.
Everyone will value the materials shared through this platform.
Every category is thoughtfully designed, making it comfortable to use.
The content are presented professionally.
There are guides on different subjects.
Whether you’re looking for useful facts, this site has what you’re looking for.
Overall, this resource is a valuable hub for people who enjoy discovering new things.
https://bloodisblood-movie.com/
На данном ресурсе представлено множество полезных материалов.
Пользователи отмечают, что ресурс облегчает доступ к важным данным.
Информация поддерживается в актуальном состоянии, что делает сайт удобным для использования.
Многие считают, что структура сайта интуитивно ясна и позволяет сэкономить время.
Большое разнообразие тем делает ресурс универсальным для широкой аудитории.
Также отмечается, что материалы написаны профессионально и легко воспринимаются.
Сайт помогает расширять знания благодаря подробным статьям.
В целом, этот ресурс можно назвать надёжным источником информации для любой аудитории.
https://podzakazavto.ru
На данном ресурсе представлено много ценной информации.
Пользователи отмечают, что ресурс удобен для поиска информации.
Контент постоянно пополняется, что делает сайт надёжным для изучения.
Многие считают, что структура сайта хорошо продумана и позволяет без труда находить нужное.
Широкий выбор материалов делает ресурс универсальным для разных категорий пользователей.
Также отмечается, что материалы написаны профессионально и читаются без труда.
Сайт помогает расширять знания благодаря детальным обзорам.
В итоге, этот ресурс можно назвать полезной площадкой для любой аудитории.
https://dpnews.ru
Здесь представлено большое количество полезного контента.
Пользователи отмечают, что ресурс помогает быстро находить нужные сведения.
Информация поддерживается в актуальном состоянии, что делает сайт удобным для чтения.
Многие считают, что структура сайта интуитивно ясна и позволяет быстро ориентироваться.
Разнообразный контент делает ресурс полезным для людей с разными интересами.
Также отмечается, что материалы написаны профессионально и легко воспринимаются.
Сайт помогает углублять понимание различных тем благодаря детальным обзорам.
В целом, этот ресурс можно назвать полезной площадкой для любой аудитории.
https://icolog.ru
На этом сайте представлено множество полезных материалов.
Пользователи отмечают, что ресурс удобен для поиска информации.
Материалы обновляются регулярно, что делает сайт удобным для чтения.
Многие считают, что навигация ресурса интуитивно ясна и позволяет сэкономить время.
Разнообразный контент делает ресурс интересным для широкой аудитории.
Также отмечается, что материалы оформлены аккуратно и легко воспринимаются.
Сайт помогает расширять знания благодаря подробным статьям.
В итоге, этот ресурс можно назвать удобным местом для изучения важных тем для всех пользователей.
https://koreavto.ru
На этом сайте представлено множество полезных материалов.
Пользователи отмечают, что ресурс удобен для поиска информации.
Контент постоянно пополняется, что делает сайт надёжным для изучения.
Многие считают, что навигация ресурса интуитивно ясна и позволяет быстро ориентироваться.
Большое разнообразие тем делает ресурс интересным для людей с разными интересами.
Также отмечается, что материалы написаны профессионально и читаются без труда.
Сайт помогает углублять понимание различных тем благодаря подробным статьям.
В итоге, этот ресурс можно назвать полезной площадкой для всех пользователей.
https://koreavto.ru
На этом сайте представлено большое количество полезного контента.
Пользователи отмечают, что ресурс удобен для поиска информации.
Контент постоянно пополняется, что делает сайт удобным для изучения.
Многие считают, что структура сайта интуитивно ясна и позволяет без труда находить нужное.
Большое разнообразие тем делает ресурс интересным для людей с разными интересами.
Также отмечается, что материалы подготовлены качественно и читаются без труда.
Сайт помогает углублять понимание различных тем благодаря детальным обзорам.
В итоге, этот ресурс можно назвать надёжным источником информации для любой аудитории.
https://dpnews.ru
На данном ресурсе представлено множество полезных материалов.
Пользователи отмечают, что ресурс помогает быстро находить нужные сведения.
Контент постоянно пополняется, что делает сайт практичным для использования.
Многие считают, что навигация ресурса интуитивно ясна и позволяет без труда находить нужное.
Широкий выбор материалов делает ресурс универсальным для широкой аудитории.
Также отмечается, что материалы оформлены аккуратно и понятны даже новичкам.
Сайт помогает расширять знания благодаря детальным обзорам.
В итоге, этот ресурс можно назвать полезной площадкой для любой аудитории.
https://podzakazavto.ru