Google is updating its Merchant Center Terms of Service from 15 June 2026, and anyone who continues using Merchant Center after that date will automatically be considered as agreeing to the new terms. For businesses that rely on Google to display products through Shopping listings, free listings, ads, or other product-related placements, this is an important update to take note of.

While the announcement is fairly short, the changes touch on a few key areas that matter to online sellers, advertisers, and businesses managing product feeds. These include how product content is submitted, how data may be processed for future Google services, and how publicly available marketing emails may be used to help businesses connect with customers.

Clearer Rules For Product Content Submission

One of the main updates involves content submission. Google is adding more clarity around the requirements for displaying products across its platforms. This is especially relevant for merchants who upload product information into Merchant Center, such as product titles, descriptions, images, prices, availability, and other feed details.

In simple terms, Google wants merchants to better understand what is expected when submitting product data. Accurate and compliant product information helps ensure that listings are shown correctly across Google services. For businesses, this means it is a good time to review product feeds and make sure the information being submitted is complete, accurate, and aligned with Google's policies.

New Data Processing Terms For Future Features

The updated terms also include additional data processing terms that may apply to future Google products, services, and features. This suggests that Google is preparing its terms to support new tools that merchants may use later, possibly including more automation, reporting, advertising, analytics, or AI-related features.

For merchants, this does not necessarily mean immediate changes to daily operations. However, it does mean the updated agreement may cover how data is handled when newer Merchant Center features become available. Businesses should be aware of this, especially if they are careful about data usage, customer information, product data, and compliance requirements.

How Public Marketing Emails May Be Used

Another area covered in the update relates to marketing emails. Google is adding details on how it uses publicly available emails to help businesses reach customers. This may apply to email addresses that are already publicly listed, such as business contact emails shown on websites or other public sources.

For store owners, this part of the update is worth reviewing carefully. It may affect how Google identifies or uses publicly available contact information in connection with marketing and customer outreach features. Businesses that publish contact emails online should understand how these details may be used within Google's merchant and marketing ecosystem.

What Merchants Should Do Before 15 June 2026

Before the new terms take effect, merchants should review the updated Merchant Center Terms of Service and check whether the changes affect their current setup. This is especially important for businesses that actively use Google Shopping, product feeds, Performance Max campaigns, free product listings, or any product visibility features connected to Merchant Center.

A practical review should include checking product data accuracy, ensuring business contact details are up to date, and confirming that the person managing Merchant Center understands the updated terms. For larger businesses, it may also be useful to involve marketing, IT, compliance, or legal teams so that everyone understands the impact.

Final Thoughts

The Google Merchant Center Terms of Service update on 15 June 2026 may not sound dramatic at first, but it is still important for any business that depends on Google for product visibility. The changes appear to focus on clearer product submission requirements, broader data processing coverage for future features, and more transparency around publicly available marketing emails.

For merchants, the safest approach is simple: review the new terms before the effective date, make sure your product information is accurate, and understand how your business data may be used across Google's merchant tools. Since continued use of Merchant Center after 15 June 2026 means acceptance of the updated terms, it is better to check early rather than treat it as just another routine policy notice.