Publish: Google officially releases AdWords rules to live by

Just when you thought it was safe to Google, the company releases its official AdWords policies. Here’s a short list of the content rules for AdWords.

No advertising aids for passing drug tests. No alcohol (beer included) advertising. No promotion of violence to any particular protected group, distinguished by race or ethnic origin, color, nationality, religion, disability, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation/gender identity. No ads for bulk marketing products, including e-mail lists that are not opt-in, bulk e-mail software, bulk messaging. No descramblers or black box advertising. No dialer advertising. No illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia advertising. No promotion of fake documents like IDs, passports, diplomas and titles. No fireworks ads. No gambling ads. No promotion of hacking or cracking sites. No “Miracle Cure” ads, such as “Cure cancer overnight.” No Mod chips. Prescription drug ads must be SquareTrade certified. Either U.S. or Canada-based online pharmacies have SquareTrade memberships. No prostitution advertising. No radar jammers. No promotion of pornography. Only government-registered charities may solicit funds. Political fundraising is generally permitted. No tobacco or tobacco related products. Advertising prohibited for certain weapons such as firearms, ammunition, balisongs, butterfly knives and brass knuckles. Google also said in the posting that ads must meet the Editorial guidelines as well.