How to Check for Copyrighted Content That Can Lead to AdSense Ban on Blogger

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Last month I received a devastating email from Google AdSense Your account has been suspended due to invalid content. After three years of building my tech blog and generating steady revenue I was suddenly cut off from my primary income source. The culprit A single image I had downloaded from Google Images without checking its copyright status.

This experience taught me a harsh lesson about the importance of copyright compliance in the blogging world. Google AdSense has strict policies regarding copyrighted content and violations can result in immediate account suspension or permanent bans. In this comprehensive guide Ill share the exact methods I now use to ensure my Blogger site remains compliant and protected.

Understanding AdSense Copyright Policies

Google AdSenses copyright policies are designed to protect intellectual property rights and maintain advertiser confidence. According to Googles Publisher Policies content that infringes on copyrights can lead to

 

·         Immediate ad serving suspension

·         Account warnings and strikes

·         Permanent account termination

·         Legal consequences from copyright holders

 

The policy covers all forms of copyrighted material including images videos text music and software. Even unknowing infringement can result in penalties making proactive content checking essential for every blogger.

Essential Tools for Copyright Detection

Primary Detection Tools

1. Google Images Reverse Search

The most accessible tool for checking image copyrights is Googles reverse image search. Simply upload or drag an image to images.google.com to find its original source and usage rights.

2. TinEye Reverse Image Search

TinEye provides more detailed results than Google showing exactly where images appear across the web and when they were first indexed. This helps identify the original copyright holder.

3. Copyscape

For text content Copyscape remains the gold standard. It detects duplicate content across the web and helps identify potential copyright violations in your written material.

Advanced Detection Methods

4. EXIF Data Analysis

Use tools like ExifData.com to examine image metadata which often contains copyright information photographer credits and licensing details embedded in the file.

5. Creative Commons License Checker

The Creative Commons search tool (search.creativecommons.org) helps verify if content is available under open licenses and what attribution requirements apply.

Step by Step Copyright Checking Process

For Images

 

Source Verification

 

Always document where you obtained each image

Check the original websites terms of use

Look for watermarks or copyright notices

 

 

Reverse Image Search

 

Upload the image to Google Images

Check TinEye for comprehensive results

Identify the earliest known publication date

 

 

License Verification

 

Look for Creative Commons licensing

Check if the image is royaltyfree or requires attribution

Verify commercial use permissions

 

 

 

For Text Content

 

Plagiarism Detection

 

Run content through Copyscape

Use Grammarlys plagiarism checker for additional verification

Check for paraphrased content that may still infringe

 

 

Quote Attribution

 

Properly cite all quoted material

Link back to original sources

Ensure fair use compliance for lengthy quotes

 

 

 

Real World Case Studies

Case Study 1 Food Blog Suspension

Sarah a food blogger used professional food photography found on Pinterest without verification. The images belonged to a major food magazine. Result Immediate AdSense suspension and a DMCA takedown notice. Recovery took six months after removing all infringing content and implementing a strict image verification process.

Case Study 2 Tech Review Site Warning

Mikes tech review blog received an AdSense warning for using manufacturer product images without permission. Despite the images being promotional materials the manufacturer held exclusive rights. Solution Mike switched to Creative Commons alternatives and original photography avoiding suspension.

Case Study 3 Travel Blog Recovery Success

Emmas travel blog was flagged for using tourism board photos. By implementing a comprehensive image audit using the tools mentioned above she identified and replaced 47 potentially infringing images. Her account was reinstated after proving compliance improvements.

Copyright Risk Assessment Matrix

Content Type Risk Level Primary Check Method Approval Time Stock Photos (Paid)Low License verification Immediate Creative Commons Low Medium Attribution check12 hours Google Images High Reverse search required24 hours Social Media Images Very High Never use without permission N/A Original Content Minimal Document creation process Immediate

Creating a Copyright Compliance Workflow

Pre Publication Checklist

 

 Verify source of all images and media

 Conduct reverse image searches

 Check Creative Commons licensing requirements

 Document all attributions and permissions

 Scan text content for potential plagiarism

 Review fair use applications for quotes

 

Monthly Audit Process

 

Content Inventory

 

Catalog all media used in recent posts

Update attribution requirements

Remove expired permissions

 

 

Compliance Review

 

Run random content checks

Verify ongoing license compliance

Update copyright documentation

 

 

 

Best Practices for Long Term Protection

Proactive Strategies

Build an Original Content Library

Invest time in creating original images graphics and multimedia content. This eliminates copyright risks entirely and builds your brand identity.

Establish Photographer Relationships

Connect with photographers willing to provide content in exchange for attribution or reasonable fees. Many emerging photographers appreciate the exposure.

Use Legitimate Stock Photo Services

Invest in reputable stock photo subscriptions like Shutterstock Adobe Stock or Unsplash Plus. The cost is minimal compared to potential AdSense revenue loss.

Documentation Standards

Maintain a spreadsheet tracking

 

Image sources and licenses

Attribution requirements

Expiration dates for permissions

Original content creation dates

 

Recovery from Copyright Violations

If you receive a copyright complaint

 

Immediate Response

 

Remove the infringing content immediately

Document the removal process

Contact the copyright holder if appropriate

 

 

Account Recovery

 

Submit a detailed appeal to Google

Provide evidence of compliance improvements

Implement preventive measures

 

 

Future Prevention

 

Conduct a comprehensive site audit

Implement the checking processes outlined above

Regular monitoring and maintenance

 

 

 

Conclusion

Copyright compliance isnt just about avoiding AdSensebansits about building a sustainable trustworthy online presence. The time invested in proper content verification pays dividends in protected revenue streams and professional credibility.

My personal experience with an AdSense suspension transformed how I approach content creation. By implementing these systematic checking methods Ive not only recovered my account but built stronger relationships with content creators and established my blog as a trusted resource in the industry.

The tools and processes outlined here have protected dozens of bloggers Ive mentored from similar experiences. Remember prevention is always easier than recovery and building good habits early saves countless hours and potential revenue loss later.

 

Ready to protect your AdSense account and build a copyright compliant blog Join our newsletter for weekly updates on blogger compliance SEO strategies and monetization tips. Share your own copyright compliance experiences in the comments below your insights help the entire blogging community stay protected and profitable.