Google Ads multi-party approval is a crucial new security feature designed to enhance account protection by requiring dual administrator consent for sensitive changes. This development addresses critical access control challenges faced by agencies and advertisers with multiple users managing campaign settings and permissions.

Understanding Multi-Party Approval in Google Ads

Multi-party approval in Google Ads operates by triggering an approval request whenever a high-risk action is initiated by an administrator. These actions typically include adding or removing users, changing user roles, and other modifications that could significantly affect campaign operation or billing. Once a request is created, other administrators receive in-product notifications prompting them to approve or deny the change.

This system ensures that no single admin has unilateral control over critical permissions, thereby significantly reducing risks associated with unauthorized or accidental changes. If no approval response occurs within 20 days, the request expires automatically, and the proposed change is blocked.

Why Multi-Party Approval Matters

In complex advertising accounts with multiple stakeholders, maintaining tight access controls is essential. Unauthorized changes can disrupt campaigns, modify billing information, or alter permissions in ways that lead to costly consequences. Multi-party approval functions as a safeguard against these risks, providing an oversight layer without introducing significant delays to day-to-day workflows.

“Large agencies benefit immensely from multi-party approval, as it mitigates errors and enhances collaborative accountability,” says Jenna Cole, a digital marketing security analyst.

This feature is particularly valuable for agencies and advertisers managing several accounts or users, often involving partners or external contractors where controlling access securely is paramount.

Process and Status Management

When an admin initiates a change requiring approval, Google Ads generates an approval request, clearly labeled in the admin console. Eligible administrators receive an immediate notification, allowing timely review and response.

Requests can be tracked within the Access and security section of the Admin menu, where statuses such as Complete, Denied, or Expired are visible. This transparent tracking offers clear audit trails, making it easier to monitor and document secure account management practices.

Practical Example of Use

Consider an agency managing a multinational brand’s Google Ads account. When one admin attempts to add a new user with elevated permissions, the multi-party approval mechanism activates. Another admin reviews the request, verifying the legitimacy of the new user before approving. This protocol prevents potential internal errors or external unauthorized access, maintaining the integrity of the account.

Integrating Multi-Party Approval into Account Security Strategy

Multi-party approval complements broader security measures such as two-factor authentication and role-based access control. Advertisers and agencies should integrate it into their overall governance framework to ensure robust protection against fraud and errors.

“Implementing multi-party approval has become a best practice for securing high-value digital advertising assets,” explains Marcus Liu, a cybersecurity advisor specialized in ad tech environments.

Moreover, training teams on the importance of this feature and establishing clear protocols for prompt approval responses can enhance operational efficiency and security.

Benefits for Agencies and Large Advertisers

Agencies managing multiple clients or ad accounts often face challenges tracking and securing varied levels of user access. Multi-party approval not only prevents mistakes but also builds client confidence by demonstrating proactive security measures.

For advertisers, this feature reduces the risk of account compromise and costly disruptions, ensuring business continuity.

Looking Ahead: Enhanced Security Trends in Advertising Platforms

Google Ads’ introduction of multi-party approval reflects a growing industry emphasis on security and accountability. As digital advertising continues to evolve, features that enable granular control and auditability of account changes will become increasingly standard.

Advertisers and agencies are encouraged to monitor platform updates and adopt comprehensive security frameworks that align with these innovations.

Accessing Multi-Party Approval

Users can enable and manage multi-party approval via the Admin menu under Access and security settings in their Google Ads interface. Comprehensive guidance is available through Google’s support documentation, providing step-by-step instructions and best practices.

For more information, organizations can visit https://ads.google.com/home/tools/account-access/ for detailed resources and updates.

Conclusion

Google Ads multi-party approval marks a significant advancement in securing ad account management. By requiring a secondary administrator’s approval for high-impact changes, the feature effectively mitigates risks related to unauthorized access and errors. Integrating this tool within security policies strengthens trust and promotes safer advertising operations, especially for agencies and complex account structures.