Microsoft Advertising has updated its Government Services Policy, effective August 19, 2026. Under the new guidelines, third-party providers of government services, such as passports and visas, must now document their authorization in the target market and go through preapproval via the Government Services Advertising Program.
Key updates include:
- The policy now allows ads from government entities and authorized third-party companies that can verify their authorization. Previously, only government entities were allowed running ads.
- Aggregators, affiliates, and lead-gen advertisers are prohibited from advertising government services.
- Advertisers must clearly state that they are unauthorized and disclose their service fees separated from any government fees.
These updates respond to new market requirements specific to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom and significantly alter how government-related services can be marketed on the platform.
Check the official announcement: Microsoft Advertising Rewrites Government Services Policy.