Google Updates AdSense TOS

Google has updated their AdSense TOS which now prevent any kind of competitive ad being used with them. Jensense had all the details:

"Competitive Ads and Services In order to prevent user confusion, we do not permit Google ads or search boxes to be published on websites that also contain other ads or services formatted to use the same layout and colours as the Google ads or search boxes on that site. Although you may sell ads directly on your site, it is your responsibility to ensure these ads cannot be confused with Google ads."

But what does it all mean?

"What does this mean for publishers? If you are running YPN and AdSense on a 50/50 ad rotation using the same or very similar colour palettes, you would now be in violation of AdSense policies. Likewise, if you are running AdSense on one part of your site, and YPN on another part, you would now also be in violation of the policies if you are using the same or similar colour palettes.

However, this also affects ad units that mimic AdSense, yet are not contextual based, something that was always well within the AdSense terms and policies before now. So if you are selling text ads or running affiliate links in ad units that mimic AdSense, you will be in violation of the terms."

So basically Google are making it harder for publishers to use their competitors adverts as well as AdSense ads. If you have any ads that break these new TOS you need to change them now!