We have seen government websites displaying Google ads through which the webmasters – either with or without the consent of their bosses – make quick bucks. However, a corporate website of a multinational firm – such as Mobilink’s – displaying Google ads is a new phenomenon.
As a ProPakistani reader tipped us today – we cross verified this as well – Mobilink website is displaying Google Ads when you search anything on the website. Apparently these ads are shown because Mobilink is using free version of Google’s custom search engine. Mobilink should probably buy ad-free version of Google custom search which is charged mere USD 100 per year or more, depending on search queries made on the website.
Those who don’t know, Google’s custom search engine is a utility from Google which allows webmasters to offer search facility to website visitors with-in their website.
Moreover, Mobilink website is also violating Custom search engine TOS by removing Google’s branding from the search bar. Google says that it can penalize websites that violate its TOS.
Below given is the screenshot recorded just moments ago:
Update:
It appears that Mobilink has now bought the paid version of Google Custom Search Engine, and now ads are not appearing in the search results.