RSOC RAF Policy Update 2025: Google’s Strike System Explained

Google announced a major policy update for AdSense for Search that will fundamentally change how publishers access advanced monetization features. This update, effective August 25, 2025, introduces a tiered access system based on account compliance and standing within the Search Partner Network (SPN).

The core of this update revolves around Restricted Access Features (RAFs) – powerful tools that have been broadly available to publishers but will now require invitation-only access based on strict compliance standards. This shift represents Google’s commitment to maintaining a healthy advertising ecosystem while rewarding compliant publishers with advanced monetization capabilities.

How Does the RSOC Policy Update Work?

The new system categorizes publishers into different status levels based on their compliance history. Your account status directly determines which features you can access:

• Qualified: Full access to all RAF features
• Probation: First strike – limited access for 90 days
• Restricted: Second strike – severely limited access for 90 days
• Revoked: Third strike – permanent loss of RAF access

Publishers maintaining good standing may receive invitations from their Google AdSense account managers to enable RAFs. This collaborative approval process ensures only trusted publishers gain access to advanced features.

What Are Restricted Access Features (RAFs)?

RAFs encompass the most powerful tools within AdSense for Search that enable publishers to optimize and scale their RSOC operations. Understanding these features is crucial for grasping the impact of losing access.

Related Search Unit Functionality

• Ability to serve more than 5 suggested search terms
• Multiple search units per page placement
• Partner-provided terms integration
• Advanced customization options for design and layout

Reporting and Analytics Features

• Access to 500+ custom reporting channels
• Granular performance metrics by channel, geography, and device
• Click-tracking permissions (new feature)
• Advanced revenue attribution capabilities

Feature Category	With RAF Access	Without RAF Access
Search Terms	Unlimited custom terms	Maximum 5 Google-suggested terms
Units Per Page	Multiple units allowed	1 unit only
Reporting Channels	500+ custom channels	Generic default channels
Style Customization	Full control over appearance	Limited styling options
Click Tracking	Detailed click-level data	No granular tracking

Who Is Affected by the RSOC Policy Update?

This update impacts every publisher using AdSense for Search, but the effects vary based on current compliance status:

Google’s Strike System Explained

The three-strike system operates on a two-year rolling window, meaning strikes expire after 24 months if no additional violations occur. Here’s how each level works:

First Strike: Probation

When you receive your first strike, your account enters probation status. This serves as a warning period where you can still operate but with limitations. You’ll need to:

• Fix all policy violations immediately
• Submit an acknowledgment form
• Operate with reduced RAF access for 90 days

Second Strike: Restricted

A second violation within 90 days of the first results in restricted status. This is your final warning before permanent revocation. Restrictions include:

• Minimal RAF access
• 7-day account hold initially
• Severely limited optimization capabilities

Third Strike: Revoked

The third strike results in permanent RAF revocation. While your AdSense account remains active, you lose access to all advanced features permanently with no possibility of reinstatement.

Examples of Violations Under the RSOC Policy

Understanding what constitutes a violation is crucial for maintaining compliance. Google categorizes violations into two types:

Standard Violations

Multiple standard violations (typically 5 or more) can result in a strike:

• Misleading ad creative text not matching landing page content
• Clickbait or deceptive headlines
• Hidden or obscured content
• Auto-redirects or forced clicks
• Thin or low-quality content pages

Egregious Violations

A single egregious violation immediately results in a strike:

• Fraudulent or phishing content
• Malware distribution
• Severe trademark infringement
• Content promoting illegal activities
• Large-scale invalid traffic schemes

Will Past Violations Count Toward Strikes?

This is a critical consideration for publishers with existing violations. Google’s approach is nuanced:

However, any active violations remaining on August 25 will immediately impact your status. For example:

• 5+ active violations = Immediate probation status
• 1 egregious violation = Immediate strike
• Multiple egregious violations = Potential for immediate restricted or revoked status

How to Remove Strikes and Reset Status

The strike removal process is straightforward but requires patience:

1. Time-based expiration: Strikes automatically expire after 2 years without additional violations
2. No manual removal: You cannot request strike removal or pay to expedite the process
3. Prevention focus: The only way to improve status is avoiding future violations

Strike Expiration Timeline Example

Event	Date	Status	RAF Access
First Strike	Sept 1, 2025	Probation	Limited
No violations for 2 years	Sept 1, 2027	Qualified	Full
Second violation	Oct 15, 2025	Restricted	Minimal
Strike expiration	Oct 15, 2027	Probation	Limited

Can You Appeal an RSOC Strike?

You cannot directly appeal strikes, but you can appeal the underlying policy violations through the standard Policy Center process. Here’s how it works:

Successful Appeal Scenarios

1. Violation didn’t occur: If Google confirms no violation happened, the strike is removed
2. Violation was fixed: If you corrected the issue, the violation remains but the strike stays

What Happens If You Lose RAF Access?

Losing RAF access severely impacts your ability to monetize and optimize RSOC campaigns:

Operational Limitations

• Single unit restriction: Only 1 related search unit per page
• Generic reporting: Loss of custom channel tracking
• Limited keywords: Maximum 5 suggested terms
• No customization: Restricted styling options
• Poor optimization: Inability to A/B test effectively

Revenue Impact

Publishers report significant revenue drops without RAF access due to:

• Lower click-through rates from generic styling
• Reduced relevance with limited keywords
• Inability to optimize based on performance data
• Loss of multi-unit monetization opportunities

Best Practices to Maintain Compliance

Proactive compliance management is essential for maintaining RAF access. Here are proven strategies:

1. Pre-August 25 Checklist

• ✓ Audit all existing pages for policy violations
• ✓ Appeal any current violations immediately
• ✓ Review and fix ad creative accuracy
• ✓ Ensure content quality meets standards
• ✓ Verify technical compliance (ads.txt, etc.)

2. Ongoing Compliance Strategy

• Weekly audits: Review new content before publishing
• Creative pre-approval: Test ad creatives for policy compliance
• Traffic quality monitoring: Ensure legitimate traffic sources
• Content depth: Maintain substantial, valuable content
• Transparency: Clear user experience without deception

3. Technical Best Practices

Area	Requirement	Action Items
Ad Creative	Must match landing page	Pass ‘referrerAdCreative’ parameter accurately
Keywords	Relevant to content	Use contextual terms that align with page topic
Page Quality	Substantial content	Minimum 300-500 words of valuable information
User Experience	No deceptive elements	Clear navigation, no forced clicks

Final Thoughts: Preparing for the RSOC Policy Update

The August 25, 2025 RSOC policy update represents a watershed moment for publishers in the search arbitrage space. Success in this new environment requires:

1. Immediate action: Address any existing violations before the deadline
2. Ongoing vigilance: Implement robust compliance monitoring
3. Quality focus: Prioritize user experience and content value
4. Technical excellence: Ensure proper implementation of all requirements

Remember, while the strike system may seem daunting, it’s designed to reward quality publishers who prioritize user experience and follow best practices. By focusing on compliance and value creation, you can thrive in the post-August 25 RSOC landscape.