AI Max uses Gemini to expand your queries beyond traditional keyword matching. In theory, it finds high-intent searches you would have missed. In practice, it sometimes matches your ads to queries that have no connection to your business.
The fix is not to turn AI Max off. It is to set proper brand exclusions, add negative keywords aggressively, and review the search terms report weekly during the first 30 days.
Most Google Ads audit content is written from a US perspective. The Australian market has specific dynamics that affect how you should audit.