Google will require all companies advertising financial products and services in Malaysia to verify their identities, starting April 14.

Only licensed financial companies approved by Malaysian regulators will be allowed to advertise on Google’s platforms, including Search and YouTube. Advertisers must complete a verification program supported by Google’s partner, G2.

Verification applications opened on March 10. Advertisers who do not complete verification by the deadline will be blocked from showing financial ads in Malaysia.

The new rules follow a rise in scams.

“Stricter checks will ensure only real providers can reach users, building more trust online,” said Ben King, Google Malaysia’s Country Managing Director.

A similar verification system already exists in the UK, Singapore, and Australia. Google also uses AI to help users spot scams.