Google breaching other ad network ToS?

Discussion in 'Google' started by Gydian, Feb 26, 2009.

  1. #1
    What I'd really like to know is how Google gets away with embedding hidden ad links within their search result links. And I'm not talking about the adsense ads either.

    I went and searched for "Car Wax". The first non-ad result is this:

    What's the best car wax ? Pros and cons of wax, silicone and high ...
    Find out what is the best car wax solution. Learn why the traditional wax is not so effective, why silicone is not recommended and what are the ...

    You can plainly see that the URL is supposed to go to www.car-accessories-magazine.com/best-car-wax.html

    However, when I clicked it the first time, it took me to expedia as an ad click. When I went back and clicked it again, it took me to the proper site.

    Why is it that Google can do something like this, however, we can't? And the ads weren't from Google. They were from a different advertising medium (I think it was DoubleClick).
     
    Gydian, Feb 26, 2009 IP
  2. mjewel

    mjewel Prominent Member

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    #2
    Sounds like the website was doing cloaking.... Google isn't embedding hidden ad links.......
     
    mjewel, Feb 26, 2009 IP
  3. Gydian

    Gydian Well-Known Member

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    #3
    Then that's an awful lot of sites doing cloaking cause it's happened on 12 different searches now and 3 different computers.

    It's definitely google doing it though given the ad links are google.doubleclick.com. This means Double Click has a deal with Google and is letting them do this.

    So, Google is allowed to use blackhat tactics to obtain ad click revenue, but normal people can't. Sounds pretty pathetic to me.

    Edit: I should probably add in that it doesn't matter which search result is clicked. If it's the first time you've searched it, it'll shoot you to an ad.
     
    Gydian, Feb 26, 2009 IP
  4. mjewel

    mjewel Prominent Member

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    #4
    It must be that your computer is infected with spyware. I tried multiple searches, including the site you listed and it doesn't happen. I do 50 or searches a day and have never had this happen - and google would have huge liability if they were doing this.
     
    mjewel, Feb 26, 2009 IP