Google AdSense Program Policies: Everything You Need To Know

Google changes their AdSense policies at any time in an attempt to protect the interests of their advertisers. The last update was on August 1, 2012 but they don’t highlight the changes unless it’s a critical update. But you can subscribe to the official Google AdSense blogto follow all the updates whenever it happens.

But now, why am I writing this blogpost when you can read AdSense’s Program Policies, Terms & Conditions right from their website. Well, a couple of days back I got an e-mail alert from Google AdSense that ad serving has been disabled to one of my website. It was an obsolete website but I haven’t disabled the AdSense ads on that website.

Google AdSense ad serving has been disabled to your site

This email is to alert you that one of your websites is not currently in compliance with our AdSense program policies and as a result, ad serving has been disabled to your website.

Well, it’s the “ad serving to a single website” and not the “Google AdSense account” which has been disabled. And the reason for disabling the ad serving was “Copyrighted Material”. No, I was not distributing any copyrighted materials myself but was linking to a pirated movie hosted by RapidShare from two posts (dated 2009).

So, AdSense publishers are not allowed to place ads on websites which are distributing copyrighted materials and is not even allowed to link to those sites/pages. But, dear Google, then why are you still indexing those websites?

Read: How Much Traffic Do You Need To Make $100,000 With Google AdSense

Google AdSense Terms and Conditions In A Nutshell

• You need to be at least 18 years old and must have a verified Google account.
• Your website/content should comply with AdSense Program Policies ANDGoogle Webmaster Guidelines.
• You need a valid postal address and must verify your address.
• You shouldn’t disclose Google Confidential Information (e.g. exact click-through rates, cost per click etc.) without their prior consent.
• You shall not encourage any third party to click ads directly or indirectly as it is classified as invalid clicks and click fraud.
• You shall not create a new AdSense account once your account is disabled for whatever reason.

Read the full Google AdSense Terms & Conditions.

Google AdSense Program Policies In A Nutshell

• You shouldn’t click your own ads or tell others to do so – for whatever reason.
• There’s no need to contact the AdSense team for those “accidental clicks” as they understand that accidental clicks may occur from time to time.
• You’re not permitted to label the Google AdSense ads with texts other than “Sponsored Links” or “Advertisements”. So, avoid phrases such as “click the ad” “support our sponsors” “recommended links” etc.
• Your pages should comply with Google AdWords’ Landing Page Quality Guidelines.
• You’re not allowed to place Google ads on websites distributing copyrighted materials. It includes sites hosting copyrighted content as well as sites linking to other sites containing copyrighted materials.
• Your pages should contain only family-safe content and you’re not allowed to include or link to – adult content, hacking content, sales of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, weapons etc., casino-related content and anything that is illegal.
• You’re required to adhere to the Google Webmaster Guidelines.
• You shouldn’t place misleading images or headings alongside AdSense ads. The ads should be placed in such a way that it is distinguishable from the actual content.
• You shouldn’t inflate traffic by using any of those auto surf programs or click-exchange programs.
• You are allowed to share your ad space with other publishers and can even place multiple publishers’ ad code on the same page or site.
• Your AdSense code may not be altered or manipulated in any way for any reason.
• You’re not allowed to place Google ads in pop-unders, pop-ups, e-mails or software.
• You are allowed to place AdSense ads along with other ads (by another ad network) but they shouldn’t be using the same layout and colors as Google ads.
• You are allowed to place up to 3 individual ad units, 3 individual link units, and 2 search boxes per page.

Read the dos and don’ts while using Google trademarks and the full Google AdSense Program Policies and beginner’s guide.