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Last updated: 2026-04-03
Guide

Google Ads integration

Beta — Integration details

This integration's setup steps are based on standard Google Ads API patterns. Specific OAuth flows, account selection, and data access scopes will be verified against the live Dxtra application. If you encounter differences, please report an issue.

Connect your Google Ads account to Dxtra to document advertising data processing, manage consent for remarketing audiences, and respond to data subject requests related to ad targeting.

Overview

Google Ads processes personal data through conversion tracking, remarketing audiences, customer match lists, and the Google Ads Pixel. When a visitor interacts with your ads or your website while the Google Ads tag is active, Google collects behavioral data that feeds into audience targeting and campaign optimization.

Under GDPR and CCPA, you need to document this data processing, obtain consent before tracking, and respond to requests from data subjects who want to know what ad-related data you hold about them.

What Dxtra tracks from Google Ads

Data category Details
Conversion tracking Purchase events, form submissions, page views triggered by ads
Remarketing audiences Visitor lists, custom audiences, similar audiences
Customer match Email lists uploaded for targeting
Click data GCLID parameters, landing page visits from ad clicks
Campaign performance Impressions, clicks, and cost data linked to audience segments

Advertising data and personal data

Even pseudonymous advertising identifiers (such as GCLIDs and cookie IDs) qualify as personal data under GDPR when they can be linked to an individual. Dxtra helps you document these processing activities.

Prerequisites

  • Active Google Ads account
  • Dxtra workspace with admin access
  • Google account with Admin or Standard access to the Google Ads account

Setup instructions

Step 1: Add Google Ads as a processor

  1. Log in to your Dxtra dashboard
  2. Go to Processors in the sidebar
  3. Click the Select Processor dropdown
  4. Find and select Google Ads

Step 2: Authorize the connection

  1. Click Connect with Google when prompted
  2. Sign in with the Google account linked to your Google Ads account
  3. Grant Dxtra read access to your advertising data
  4. Select the Google Ads account (or MCC sub-account) to connect
  5. Click Confirm and Onboard

Google Ads now appears in your Manage Processors table with an Interconnected badge.

Advertising tracking requires explicit consent in GDPR jurisdictions. Configure your consent setup so that Google Ads tags and remarketing pixels only fire after the visitor consents to the Targeting / Marketing consent category.

Using Dxtra Tag Manager: Tag Manager blocks advertising scripts by default and only loads them after the visitor consents to the relevant category. See consent enforcement.

Using Google Consent Mode: Configure ad_storage and ad_personalization to default to denied and update only after consent is granted.

How data subject rights work

Access requests

When a data subject requests their advertising data:

  1. Create a new DSRR in Dxtra with the individual's email
  2. Dxtra checks Google Ads for Customer Match list memberships and audience segments associated with that email
  3. Generate an export of advertising data linked to the individual
  4. Deliver within your jurisdiction's deadline

Deletion requests

When a data subject requests erasure of advertising data:

  1. Create a deletion DSRR in Dxtra
  2. Dxtra removes the individual from Customer Match lists
  3. Request audience suppression for remarketing lists
  4. Log the deletion for your compliance records

Customer Match list hygiene

Regularly review your Customer Match lists and remove individuals who have withdrawn marketing consent. Dxtra can automate this when consent preferences change.

Troubleshooting

  • Verify your Google account has Admin or Standard access to the Ads account
  • If using a Manager Account (MCC), ensure the sub-account is linked
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting the Google authorization
  • Verify Dxtra Tag Manager or Google Consent Mode is configured correctly
  • Check that the Targeting / Marketing consent category is mapped to Google Ads scripts
  • Test in an incognito browser to confirm the default state is "denied"

Customer Match removal not processing

  • Google Ads processes list updates in batches (can take 24-48 hours)
  • Verify the email address matches exactly (case-insensitive, but formatting matters)
  • Check the DSRR status in Dxtra for error details

Best practices

  • Require consent for ad tracking — Never fire Google Ads tags before the visitor consents
  • Audit Customer Match lists — Remove opted-out individuals promptly
  • Document the relationship — List Google Ads as a data processor in your privacy notice
  • Use Enhanced Conversions carefully — If using Enhanced Conversions, document the additional personal data (email, phone) sent to Google
  • Review audience retention — Set appropriate membership durations for remarketing audiences

Next step: Configure consent enforcement so advertising tags only fire after visitors consent.