FAQ - Policy

Do I need to call the API to generate JavaScript ad code snippets? What if I just want to change a single value, such as the publisher id or a color value?

Yes, you need to call the API for every unique piece of ad code you want to create. Modifying ad code is not allowed by the AdSense Terms & Conditions and it is no different with the AdSense Host API. You are required to call the getAdCode method to ensure that the ad code you are using is correct. You should then store this snippet on your servers and retrieve it for use when your pages are actually served. Even if all you want to change is a color value, you need to use the API methods to create new code snippets.

Below are some restrictions on using the AdSense logo with your API Client. Your permission to use the logo is granted in the AdSense Host API Terms and is subject to these restrictions.

The AdSense Host API Terms are written to permit you to:

  • Resize the logo to fit your AdSense Host API client application as long as you maintain the aspect ratio of the logo.
  • If you are using the logo on a webpage, there must exist a minimum spacing that is no less than 1/2 the height of the logo between each side of the logo and other graphic or textual elements on your webpage. Also, the logo must appear by itself in a manner that does not in any way indicate to viewers of the webpage that Google endorses any non-Google products, services, or information provided on that webpage.
You can't (and agree not to) do any of the following:
  • Change the aspect ratio or colors of the logo in any way.
  • Display the logo as the most prominent element on your webpage.
  • Display the logo in any manner that implies a relationship or affiliation with Google or sponsorship or endorsement by Google. It can't be used in a way that can be reasonably interpreted to suggest editorial content or data analysis has been authored by or represents the views or opinions of Google or Google personnel.
  • Display the logo on your website other than as permitted by Google Permissions.
  • Display the logo on any product, book, or other material (other than what was specified as OK in the guidelines above).
  • Display the logo on any website that contains or displays adult content, promotes gambling, involves the sale of tobacco or alcohol to persons under 21 years of age, or otherwise violates applicable law or stated Google editorial policies.
  • Display the logo in a manner that is in Google's sole opinion misleading, defamatory, infringing, libelous, disparaging, obscene, or otherwise objectionable to Google.
  • Display the logo on a site that violates any law or regulation.
  • Frame or mirror any Google page (including the page that appears in response to a click on the Google logo or Google search box).
  • Remove, distort, or alter any element of the logo.
  • Display the logo so it appears larger or more prominent than your name, product, or service name, trademark or service mark, logo, or trade or company name.
  • Include the logo in your trade or business name, domain name, product or service name, logo, trade dress, design, slogan, or other trademarks.
  • Translate the logo or otherwise localized into any other language. Any translated versions of the logo must be provided by Google.
  • Display the logo as a design feature on any of your materials.
  • Imitate the logo in any manner in your materials.
  • You may not use the logo in any way other than as specified in these guidelines. Failure to comply with these instructions is a breach of the Google AdSense Host API Agreement.

How will I answer my customers' questions about their AdSense account?

While Google will handle support issues related to publishers' AdSense accounts, you should use your existing support model to answer customer questions related to your specific implementation of the AdSense Host API. As customers may contact Google for concerns about your API implemetation, you must provide Google with an email address to forward publisher issues. Google will provide first-level triaging of publisher issues and will escalate those associated with implementation issues to this email address. For AdSense account-related issues, we will provide you with a URL pointing to the AdSense Help Center; you may not publish any Google email addresses on your website.