Forum Moderators: martinibuster
Just curious.
ncw164x
Well, gee...other than theft, I don't imagine it's extremely illegal...
Hmm...under what law, specifically? Or do you just think it's illegal?
Or are you asking if it's a violation of the Adsensse TOS?
This is from the program polices page:-
These prohibited methods include but are not limited to: repeated manual clicks, using robots, automated clicking tools, or other deceptive software
ncw164x
A click is a click...
No it isn't.
There is a big difference between a human clicking on an ad because he is interested in what the ad has to offer and a bot clicking on a ad for noreason other than piling up clicks, and profits, for a publisher at the adverstisers expense.
[spelling edit]
[edited by: ken_b at 11:13 pm (utc) on Mar. 23, 2004]
When you sign up for the adsense program you agree to the terms and conditions set out by google
This is from the program polices page:-
These prohibited methods include but are not limited to: repeated manual clicks, using robots, automated clicking tools, or other deceptive software
Thanks, but I was asking if it was illegal.
I'm sure the se's would call it fraud of some type. However, they have to police their own system for nefarious clicks. There are also legitimate tech issues with browsers that could inadvertantly cause a click. I can write you a page right now, so that it looks fine, but every click on the page would run through an adsense ad with Opera or Mozilla.
Even Googles own serps do not behave correctly in that sense. Does that mean Google guilty of click fraud on their own program? Doubtful, but where would you draw a distinction.
Aside from the adsense TOS, I personally don't see much legal difference between that and a clickbot.
(re: Michael Bradley - surely extortion is a different matter altogether?)
Google may pay up to try and set and example.. but ultimately it will be their responsibility to prevent this, not the governments.
[lectlaw.com...]
Also, interestingly, "It is not necessary that the Government prove all of the details concerning the precise nature and purpose of the scheme;"
I've always wondered about this. If someone spiders your site without your consent, OK it's annoying and uses up bandwidth, but in terms of law I think this is pretty much legal. (No-one complains that Google does this for instance.)
Aside from the adsense TOS, I personally don't see much legal difference between that and a clickbot.
Except that a clickbot would cost someone money with no legitimate benefit for the clickee.
But only if using a bot to click on ads is considered fraud.
Yes, but the TOS that was agreed upon when signing up for Adsense explicitly prohibits such actions. Therefor, using a bot to click on ads in an attempt to gain money that was to be paid for users clicking those ads would be considered fraud.
Suggestion of this activity is just another example of a self centered piece of garbage human. Would you really expect an AdSense advertiser to pay money for ads clicked on by a bot? Is that the purpose of AdSense?
Maybe stopping this kind of thing first could help stop all the theft from scumware affiliates that have been ripping off honest affiliates for years.
Yes, but the TOS that was agreed upon when signing up for Adsense explicitly prohibits such actions. Therefor, using a bot to click on ads in an attempt to gain money that was to be paid for users clicking those ads would be considered fraud.
A company's terms of service is not the law. They might be able to ding you with a lawsuit, though (if the TOS agreement is considered a legally binding contract).
Suggestion of this activity is just another example of a self centered piece of garbage human. Would you really expect an AdSense advertiser to pay money for ads clicked on by a bot? Is that the purpose of AdSense?I am under the impression that historically advertising programs have become defunct related to problems with fraud. I can understand you are interested in turning a buck, but don't expect a commendation from the rest of us who acutally try to provide web content which results in a profitable click through for the advertiser.
Not suggesting anything. Just curious following the recent clickbot extortion case.
Pacta servanda sunt.
The TOS are integral part of a contract you agree on with Google.
Breaking a contract is illegal under civil law. Doing so deliberately is fraud, which also makes it illegal under penal law.
Breaking a contract is illegal under civil law. Doing so deliberately is fraud, which also makes it illegal under penal law.
Whoah. Deliberately breaking a contract = fraud?
Fraud is defined as a deception deliberately practiced to secure unfair or unlawful gain.
So is gaming a search engine fraud? How about manipulating someone's cookies so you get the affiliate money?
Hmm... legal or illegal... Who would want to do this? It all comes down to one's principle. But I must say.. hopefully people who are getting away with this, will have to pay the price... It's just not right.
Nah. Ethics discussions are pointless here.
