Google has updated its guidance for content creators who work on topics that involve conflict resolution. This change is part of Google’s ongoing effort to improve the quality of information people find online, especially for pages that could affect someone’s health, finances, or safety—known as “Your Money or Your Life” or YMYL content.
(Building for Google’s “Conflict Resolution” Advice (YMYL))
The new advice asks creators to focus on building trust and clarity when writing about sensitive issues like disputes, negotiations, or peace-building strategies. Google wants this content to come from people with real experience or proper credentials in the field. It also stresses the need for balanced viewpoints and factual accuracy.
Sites that offer advice on resolving personal, legal, or community conflicts must now show clear expertise. Google says readers should be able to understand who wrote the content and why they are qualified to give such advice. Anonymous posts or vague sources may not meet the new standards.
This update does not introduce a new algorithm. Instead, it clarifies how human reviewers should assess content during quality evaluations. The goal is to make sure helpful, reliable information ranks higher in search results, while low-quality or misleading pages get less visibility.
Google first introduced YMYL guidelines years ago, but it keeps refining them as online information grows more complex. Conflict resolution is now getting special attention because of its potential impact on users’ real-life decisions. People often turn to search engines during stressful situations, so Google believes they deserve trustworthy answers.
(Building for Google’s “Conflict Resolution” Advice (YMYL))
Webmasters and content teams are encouraged to review their existing pages on mediation, counseling, or dispute handling. They should check if their content reflects deep knowledge, cites credible sources, and avoids taking sides without evidence. Simple changes like adding author bios or linking to professional affiliations can help meet the updated expectations.