Google Analytics announced three updates:

1. New “Source Group” field

New Source Group dimension cleans up various source values from major platforms.

So nstead of seeing multiple variations like:

• `facebook`
• `fb`
• `Meta-facebook`
• `instagram`
• `ig`

GA$ will consolidate them into standardized values like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. This will help advertisers compare performance across platforms more easily, especially if source naming was inconsistent because of UTMs, ad platforms, or campaign setup differences.

1. Updates to “Source Platform”

Google is also updating the existing Source Platform field so its classifications better align with the new Source Group field.

Third-party platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, Amazon, Meta Ads, OpenAI/ChatGPT & Perplexity will be classified more consistently alongside Google-owned inventory like YouTube, Search & Maps.

1. New hostname filter

Adding hostname filters in the Admin section under Data Filters allows GA users to exclude events from unapproved hostnames, for example traffic coming from a domain that shouldn't be sending data to the property.

(e.g. it will help keep junk, test, spam, copied-site, or misconfigured-domain data out of GA reports)