Anyone else getting this Google ad masquerading as a forum similar threads or prefix menu widget

[Mr Lucky]

I recently noticed this ad on my forum that fooled users into thinking it was actually related topics on the forum, like the similar threads widget, a tag cloud or prefix menu. It doesn't even have the usual mention of Google or link to report it (not that they would do anything about reports).



So I am thinking of ditching Adsense as this is just a step too far in misleading and manipulative advertising.

has anyone else got this on their forum and found a way to stop it? (Apart from just ditching Adsense?)

 

[Chromaniac]

so they did send a mail about this. the mailer basically said that when they do not find suitable ad for an ad slot, they are going to show relevant keywords. if you click on these, you get search results with ads that are linked to your account or something.

Optimizing your empty in-page ad spaces - Google AdSense Help

July 3, 2025An "unfilled ad space" occurs when AdSense is unable to find a suitable ad to show in a specific ad space on your page. You don't make any revenue from an unfilled ad space. That's why we'

support.google.com

the link tells you how you can opt-out.

 

[Mr Lucky]

so they did send a mail about this. the mailer basically said that when they do not find suitable ad for an ad slot, they are going to show relevant keywords. if you click on these, you get search results with ads that are linked to your account or something.

Optimizing your empty in-page ad spaces - Google AdSense Help

July 3, 2025An "unfilled ad space" occurs when AdSense is unable to find a suitable ad to show in a specific ad space on your page. You don't make any revenue from an unfilled ad space. That's why we'

support.google.com

the link tells you how you can opt-out.

Thank you - hopefully that has solved it.

I hate that it's opt out not opt in but that's the way things are I suppose.