Google AdSense Policy: A Simple Guide
To maintain compliance with Google AdSense policies, all publishers must adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of ad services or the termination of your AdSense account. Once disabled, accounts are not eligible for reinstatement. As policies may change over time, ensure you check for updates regularly. Exceptions to these rules require explicit permission from Google.
1. Invalid Clicks and Impressions
- Do not click on your own ads or use techniques to artificially boost ad impressions or clicks.
- Avoid manual or automated tools designed to generate fake traffic.
2. Encouraging Clicks or Views
- Never encourage others to click or view ads through misleading or deceptive means.
- Prohibited practices include:
- Offering incentives for ad clicks or views.
- Using misleading images or text near ads.
- Promising donations or rewards in exchange for ad interactions.
3. Content Policies
- Ads must not be placed on pages with content that violates Google’s content policies. Violations can result in account suspension.
- Restricted content may display fewer ads even if allowed under specific conditions.
4. Abusive Experiences
- Ads must not appear on sites with abusive elements, such as:
- Misleading pop-ups.
- Malware or deceptive behaviors.
- Refer to Google’s Abusive Experiences page for detailed guidelines.
5. Authorized Inventory (ads.txt)
- If using an ads.txt file, ensure your site lists you as an authorized seller.
- Follow Google’s ads.txt guidelines to avoid compliance issues.
6. Traffic Sources
- Avoid placing ads on pages that attract traffic from:
- Paid-to-click services.
- Unsolicited emails (spam).
- Traffic generated by software applications.
- Ensure all advertising sources comply with Google’s traffic policies.
7. Ad Behavior
- Modifying AdSense ad code is allowed only if it doesn’t:
- Inflate ad performance.
- Harm advertisers.
- Consult Google’s Ad Behavior Guidelines for more information.
8. Ad Placement
- Experiment with ad placement and formats but avoid these prohibited locations:
- Pop-ups or pop-unders.
- Emails.
- Software applications.
- Refer to Google’s Ad Placement Policies for further clarification.
9. Site Behavior
- Sites displaying ads must:
- Offer easy navigation.
- Avoid altering user settings or redirecting users to unwanted sites.
- Be free of malware, downloads, and intrusive pop-ups.
10. Deceptive Site Navigation
- Ads should not mislead users into clicking. Examples of prohibited practices include:
- False claims about streaming or downloadable content.
- Linking to irrelevant or nonexistent content.
- Using placements that mimic navigation or download buttons.
11. Technical Requirements
- Sites must meet Google’s technical specifications to display ads, including:
- Format Requirements: Supported viewing technologies (e.g., Android WebView, iOS SFSafariViewController).
- Web Compatibility: Ensure technical optimization for ad performance.