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---- Breakdown of the new AdSense Terms, FAQ, Policies

Jenstar - 7:00 am on Jun 18, 2004 (gmt 0)


This is definitely the largest all-at-once update that AdSense has undertaken, as was seen by the problems publishers experienced when logging in - seems everyone was checking out all the new features the moment the emails arrived.

Lots of new options and features are in.

Let's get started :)

New Terms

Someone went happy with the <b> tags in the latest version of the AdSense terms.

1. Program Participation.

Small changes made to reflect the fact AdSense can now show ads on search results.

Still included is the reference that multiple accounts can be terminated.

2. Implementation and Operation of Ads and Search Results.

Lots of changes in this section!

  • Made the change that all publishers agree to comply with the technical aspects "to enable proper delivery, display, tracking, and reporting of Ads, Search Results, and Google Brand Features" (it formerly said only "proper display").

  • Now says that the javascript/programming can be changed with explicit written permission from Google. The previous terms did not allow for any modification whatsoever.

  • The search box has to be placed on a page with content related to your site. The search script cannot be changed from the script AdSense generates.

  • All searches must be generated by a human actually entering the search term into the box.

  • Google will host all search results, and are permitted to change the look/feel of those results page.

  • Each site running AdSense is subject to Google's review and approval, at any time. This eliminates the theory many had that only the site used to apply with AdSense was ever checked.

  • The mysterious multiple ad units per page is still included, but are still not permitted to have the same ad appear twice. I guess this feature will still be launched in the future.

  • They have clarified their position on competitor's ads, and now state that you may not have ads that people might confuse with AdSense - this would cover many contextual advertisers, as well as the "faux" AdSense ads that are popping up everywhere - ads people create to mimic AdSense, but are not dynamic at all.

  • If you use the search box, you are agreeing that Google provides the only internet-based search service on your site. This would prohibit sites from carrying other search result ads from sources other than Google on any domain they use the search box on.

  • AdSafe and SafeSurf features are "As is" and cannot ensure all search results will be filtered.

    4. Parties' Responsibilities

    A curious change was made to reflect the fact that Google has the right to investigate any activity that may violate the terms, including a publishers "use of a software application to access Ads or Search Results" or doing any kind of activity that is specifically prohibitted by the terms.

    5. Prohibited Uses

    This section was significantly added to. Some minor changes were made to include reference to the search feature in addition to the regular ad feature.

    They have expanded the "fraudulent" section to include that you shall not (and shall not encourage/authorize a third party) to: "directly or indirectly generate queries, impressions of or clicks on any Search Results and/or Ad(s) through any automated, deceptive, disingenuous or fraudulent means". The rest of the (i) section remains the same.

    Specifies that you cannot do anything that would cause a searcher to do anything but go directly from the search box "submit" to the results page.

    You cannot use a bot to crawl any of the search result pages or the ad units, to save or cache either.

    They have beefed up the part that Google can terminate a publisher immediately for terms violations, and if you violate the agreement, Google can that pursue any and all applicable legal and equitable remedies against you, and the pursuit of all available civil or criminal remedies relating to fraud and other legal claims. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong site of that part ;)

    6. Termination; Cancellation.

    Just minor changes, and reference that Google can investigate for violations of the agreement.

    9. No Warranty.

    Includes reference to reflect the search feature. Also states Google is not liable for non-Google content ads or search results that appear.

    11. Payment.

    Minor changes to reflect search feature.

    If you are past due on any Google program, they have the right to withhold payment - previously, it stated only Adwords specifically.

    12. Publicity

    Minor language edits.

    15. Google Rights
    (Formerly named Information Rights)

    Google can now release personal information in response to any "valid legal process, such as subpoenas, search warrants and court orders, or to establish or exercise its legal rights or defend against legal claims."

    Google AdSense Program Policies

    New AdSense policies. Remember, by agreeing to the terms, you are also agreeing to the policies!

    Includes reference that some policies may only apply to certain AdSense features (ie. only content ads or only search services). There are minor changes throughout to reference search boxes in addition to content ads.

    Ad Code Modification section has been removed.

    Ad Placement

    Minor edits that ad colors must be such that all ad elements are visible (such as text and URL).

    Alternate Ads

    Changed reference from AdSense ads to Adwords ads. Also includes reference for the alternate ad image/server.

    Code Modification

    This new section states that the AdSense scripts cannot be modified before pasting into webpages.

    Competitive Ads

    Includes reference that you cannot use competitive search services if running the AdSense search.

    Language

    Minor change to reference all supported languages.

    Personal Pages

    This section has been removed.

    Site Content

    Now included is that site may not include "Any other content that promotes illegal activity or infringes on the legal rights of others."

    Updated FAQ

    Minor references made for updates I mention elsewhere in this post. The major change is the web search addition to the FAQ.

    Web Search

    Web Search is the new section of the FAQ:
    https://www.google.com/adsense/faq#ws

    It is a free program, and AdSense pays for all valid clicks on the ads from search results pages.

    Google will only be able to search pages that are already in the index, but unfortunately, Submitting your site in this manner does not guarantee inclusion in Google's index.

    Ads are chosen based upon the search keywords and language of the search terms.

    SafeSearch is an option for publishers wishing to exclude adult content from the results.

    A separate search performance tab has been added to the control panel, as well as a new tab for setting up how you want your search results to appear. You can include your own logo on the results, if you wish.

    Google AdSense Preview Tool

    This is a handy piece of software. Not only can you see what ads would appear on any webpage with a simple right-click function, you can see the ads based on geo-location (I could see what ads people would see outside of my own geo-location.) And best, you can click the ads without the advertiser being charged, and without having to worry about the threat of invalid clicks for accidentily clicking on your own ads.

    You can use this on other publisher's pages as well, and it will take into account the blocked URL filter list from each publisher into account when showing ads.

    This is only compatible with Internet Explorer 6.x

    What else is new

  • The report control panel has been modified - they have moved everything up, to fit the actual report on the page (many reported having to scroll to see the stats). A member suggested this usability change, and it appears they used the idea.

  • When logging in for the first time with the new changes, publishers must agree to the new terms (changes are outlined above).

  • Also when logging in, publishers must select whether they are a business or an individual, for their account type. This also determines who the check is made out to. It also notes that this cannot be changed, once submitted. This raises the question of what if a business name changes or someone has a name change (ie. for marriage). They state it is for identity theft reasons. Payments will not be sent until this is completed.

  • Publishers (possibly for US-based publishers only) are no longer allowed to use a PO Box # for the payment address.

  • AdSense now supports four new languages: Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish.

  • More channels have been added, allowing publishers 50 active channels for regular AdSense and 50 more for search.

  • A new half-banner has been added (234x60) that will display one ad. https://www.google.com/adsense/adformats

    Whew, thats it for all the new changes :)

    <added>Information on PO Boxes</added>

    [edited by: Jenstar at 7:29 am (utc) on June 18, 2004]

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