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Google API terms & Ranking Tracker

Discussion in 'Keyword Tracker' started by BenFremer, Mar 2, 2006.

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  1. #1
    I am pretty sure this means we shouldn't be using the API to track the Google keywords, no?

    > "No Automated Querying
    >
    > You may not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system without
    > express permission in advance from Google. Note that "sending automated
    > queries" includes, among other things:
    > * using any software which sends queries to Google to determine how a
    > website or webpage "ranks" on Google for various queries;"

    I am pretty sure this means we shouldn't be using the API to track the Google keywords, no?

    Thanks,

    Ben
     
    BenFremer, Mar 2, 2006 IP
  2. mad4

    mad4 Peon

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    #2
    The fact that the tool uses the API means google has given their permission. If the tool didn't use the API then you are correct that it would breach their guidelines.

    Not sure whether the PageRank feature uses the API though - you would have to ask Shawn.
     
    mad4, Mar 2, 2006 IP
  3. BenFremer

    BenFremer Peon

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    #3
    That is actually the terms for how you can and cannot use the API. Those are the terms at the API sign up.
     
    BenFremer, Mar 2, 2006 IP
  4. digitalpoint

    digitalpoint Overlord of no one Staff

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    #4
    You are reading the wrong terms. The API terms can be found here:

    http://www.google.com/apis/api_terms.html

    While Google's normal terms apply, if there is a conflict between the two terms, the API terms prevail.

    By definition the API can *only* do automated queries, there is no way to get API results back directly to a human in a web browser (even in an unusable form) since it uses SOAP for it's queries.
     
    digitalpoint, Mar 2, 2006 IP
  5. BenFremer

    BenFremer Peon

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    #5
    Hi,

    I saw it at in the Google account signup:

    "The Google Web APIs service is designed to be used in conjunction with Google's search services. Accordingly, your use of Google Web APIs is also defined by Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and Conditions and Google's Terms of Service, these Terms and Conditions shall prevail."

    I don't see a conflict between the two, and you
    are correct that I was reading the wrong TOS, but the end result is the same in that I do see the general account TOS extending the API TOS to say "no automated queries".

    (The API TOS doesn't say "automated queries allowed")

    Am I still missing something?
     
    BenFremer, Mar 4, 2006 IP
  6. schlottke

    schlottke Peon

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    #6
    The first sentence "The Google Web APIs service is made available to you for your personal, non-commercial use only (at home or at work). "

    That is saying Shawn can create free tools with it- and that is written in the API TOS... and followed by:

    "The Google Web APIs service is designed to be used in conjunction with Google's search services. Accordingly, your use of Google Web APIs is also defined by Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and Conditions and Google's Terms of Service, these Terms and Conditions shall prevail."

    Which removes any limitations held in other areas of Google's TOS.

    I'd also have to assume, since the tool does query several hundred thousand keywords, that Google knows exactly what Shawn is doing. (*plus if I remember correctly, hes been personally ok'd to run this tool) This isn't an "under the radar" usage of the API, by any means- and should not be of any concern to anyone using it.
     
    schlottke, Mar 4, 2006 IP
  7. BenFremer

    BenFremer Peon

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    #7
    "Which removes any limitations held in other areas of Google's TOS."

    I don't see the API terms as conflicting, but extending the regular Google API terms ("your use of Google Web APIs is also defined by Google's Terms of Service").
     
    BenFremer, Mar 5, 2006 IP
  8. digitalpoint

    digitalpoint Overlord of no one Staff

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    #8
    So don't use it if you are worried about it. :)
     
    digitalpoint, Mar 5, 2006 IP
  9. BenFremer

    BenFremer Peon

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    #9
    I have stopped. :-( If it is wrong, everybody should stop. I do think you might be able to get get permission from Google for it, though. It is quite a nice tool, so thanks for covering Yahoo and MSN for me at least! :)
     
    BenFremer, Mar 5, 2006 IP
  10. digitalpoint

    digitalpoint Overlord of no one Staff

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    #10
    Don't need to get permissions because it's compliant with their guidelines. I just meant for you... if *you* don't want to use it, you shouldn't. :)
     
    digitalpoint, Mar 5, 2006 IP
  11. Design1

    Design1 Active Member

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    #11
    If i couldn't use this tool.. I think I'd spontaneously combust :)
     
    Design1, Mar 16, 2006 IP
  12. hongo2

    hongo2 Peon

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    #12
    is this link an automated query ??

    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=automated+query
     
    hongo2, Mar 28, 2006 IP
  13. sgorman

    sgorman Active Member

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    #13
    sgorman, Apr 7, 2006 IP