Loading Ads In iFrames still strictly prohibited?

iFrame Usage

[Pixby8]

So... years and years ago, loading an Adsense ad in an iFrame was strictly prohibited in the terms of use. I remember this clearly. I've always hated this, because I do use iFrames in my web design simply because they're so easy to use. And recently, I've come upon a design issue that would be SOOOO much easier, if I could just use an iFrame to display the ad, instead of some overly-complicated javascript solution.
Anyway, I was just re-reading the program policies, and the only mentions of iFrames I can find, are here

[support.google.com...]

Some examples of unacceptable modifications include:

Adding irrelevant keywords (hidden or visible) to alter the targeting of the ads.
Using IFRAMEs with keywords to alter the content or language of the ads.

and here:

[support.google.com...]

Techniques to avoid
Here are some techniques you’ll want to avoid:

Manipulating the ad targeting using hidden keywords, IFRAMEs, or any other method


Now, neither of these two mentions of iFrames seems like a strict prohibition to me anymore. The way these guidelines are written, it seems to me that iFrames can't be used in an attempt to manipulate the ad targeting.

But... what if the page on which the ad is actually placed, has the same content as the page that contains the iframe window through which it will ultimately be shown?

In other words, it does seem to be possible to use an iFrame without trying to manipulate ad behavior.

I'm sure this will seem like "playing with fire," to many of you, and as I've researched this more, I see lots of older commentary on this issue from multiple sources that are absolutely certain displaying ads in iFrames isn't permitted, period.

However, it does seem that the only current mention of iFrames in the policies leaves some leeway for using them. In the past, the policies read something like "You can't use iFrames unless you get permission from us first." Yet, I don't even see that language anymore.

Is anyone here displaying ads in iFrames or can anyone see anywhere in the policies that strictly forbids iFrames these days?

[Pixby8]

I do see it also addressed here in the FAQ:

[support.google.com...]

Is it violating program policy if I place ads on iframe webpages in my software?

Yes, it does violate our policies. Firstly, you’re not allowed to place ads in a frame within another page. Exceptions to our policies are permitted only with authorization from Google for the valid use of iframes. Secondly, you’re not allowed to put ads in your software, e.g., if you control both a page with ads and an app that loads that page, we will take action against it.

[matbennett]

As @pixby8 says, still very much against the terms of use.

There are a few issues with iFrames. One is simply that the contextual targeting doesn't work (there is no content on the same URL to build out a context for). This means that, even if it were allowed, performance would be dire. Another issue is that it prevents vendor screening/brand safety systems running. If you service an ad in an iframe, that iframe could be embedded anywhere without either Google or buyers knowing what content was being served alongside the ads. A third reason is that such techniques are used far more by fraudsters than for legitimate use, so is a huge red flag.

This is also a policy that is very actively enforced. I would strongly recommend no trying to find a work around and just accepting that you cannot serve ads in an iFrame.

What is is that you are hoping to achieve that you need an iFrame for?

[Pixby8]

Actually, the contextual targeting wouldn't be affected as long as accurate keywords are used in the meta tags in the site's description for the page that actually has the ad on it. How do I know this? Well, I've used Adsense on sites with virtually no text for decades (we're talking all images, and said images being delivered through iFrames, from other pages, to boot), and it still shows relevant ads to my niche. When there's no text on the page, Adsense weighs the site's description, domain name, etc., much more heavily than it otherwise would. So, this isn't really an issue. Also, you say:

"If you service an ad in an iframe, that iframe could be embedded anywhere without either Google or buyers knowing what content was being served alongside the ads..."

Not if it's limited to serving the ad through an iFrame to only the same domain, it wouldn't be. Not really.

In the end, Google says they give permission for the legitimate use of iFrames. So, they're not completely opposed to the idea. I just don't want to chance it at this point, is all.

[matbennett]

If you think that you have a legitimate use for using iFrames that will not cause problems then you will need to ask to be whitelisted by your Google account manager.
Honestly, even if you got permission I would advise avoiding it. Google are not the only buyer in the system and it will put others off bidding.