Using Adsense and Firefox Ads on 404 Pages

[DXL]

I recently stumbled upon a custom 404 page on someone's website, and noticed that he was using the Firefox browser download banner, as provided by Adsense. Written above the banner was something along the lines of "This page isn't available, please download the Firefox browser to improve your surfing."

1. Is it against Adsense TOS to place ads on 404 pages?

2. Isn't implying that Firefox could have provided alternate results than a 404 page when surfing a means of bringing extra attention to an ad, which is against Adsense TOS?

[StoutFiles]

Yes to both. Good luck on telling Google though; I've tried reporting major sites who break multiple TOS rules and they just ignore me.

[Lame_Wolf]

Yes to both.

IIRC correctly, you are allowed adsense on 404 pages.

[StoutFiles]

IIRC correctly, you are allowed adsense on 404 pages.

Assuming the 404 page provides content. A "Page not found" with an Adsense Ad would be not acceptable in Google's eyes; there has to be some content on the page.

[netmeg]

It's kind of moot anyway, since the Firefox referrals are going away this month.

[Lame_Wolf]

Assuming the 404 page provides content. A "Page not found" with an Adsense Ad would be not acceptable in Google's eyes; there has to be some content on the page.

Correct, there has to be content on the 404 page.
403 pages are also allowed - with content.

[Hobbs]

I wouldn't do it (ads on error pages), too tacky.

Content on a 404 page is a no brainer, a mini site map & a search box should sort out related targeted ads.

What about content on a 403 Forbidden page, now there's a challenge:

You're not allowed to visit my site, here's a list of topics you'll be missing out on.. Oh, and by the way, here's an ad just in case you're not annoyed enough, happy clicking!

[Lame_Wolf]

What about content on a 403 Forbidden page, now there's a challenge:

Not really. Nothing stopping you making your 404 and 403 pages look like the homepage or whatever.

But yes, to have a "normal" 403/4 page and have adverts would be wrong. It does need [meaningful] content.

[netmeg]

I typically just put a pithy message and a search box.