A discrepancy emerged between Google’s official stance on API-based placement exclusions and real-world observations, particularly for Performance Max (PMax) campaigns.
The contradiction:
Google claims API-based placement exclusions don’t work for PMax
Multiple advertisers report successful API-based exclusions
UI-based exclusions function as expected
The inconsistency between Google’s stated policy and actual functionality creates uncertainty for advertisers managing campaigns programmatically.
Why we care. This discrepancy will affects how they manage placement exclusions at scale through APIs and automation tools. The confusion could impact campaign safety and brand protection strategies, especially for advertisers running Performance Max campaigns across multiple accounts.
If exclusions aren’t being implemented in an efficient manner – your ads could be showing on sites of disrepute.