Google might clamp down on typo-squatting
Tuesday, December 20th, 2005
The writing is on the wall for domain name typo-squatters who register domains and then park them on Google or Google-fed programs.
An article in this week’s eWeek talks about Microsoft research of typo-squatting and how Google hasn’t done much to prevent typo domains from landing on its Adsense for Domains sites. This isn’t news to anyone in the industry, but increased spotlight will force Google to make changes. An article in the press isn’t a big issue. It’s advertisers that see their ads showing up on typo domains that will raise a fuss–especially if it’s a typo of the advertiser’s own domain.
Typo domains make thousands on click-thrus from Google Adsense. Just look at some recent sales: MySpac.com recently sold for $31,600, Mypsace.com sold for $35,100. At the time of writing, both of these domains are parked on sites that show Google Adsense ads. Mypsace.com was sold at Sedo, which thereby shows support for typo domains by the reseller industry. I can’t fathom how Sedo, a respected domain reseller, can allow such a high profile domain to sell on its network. Sedo’s terms prohibit violating other’s trademarks.
Google is making enough money right now that it won’t care about losing the revenue from typo domains. They’d rather not get the bad press and upset advertisers that feel victimized. Look for swift action.
Further Reading:
Typo-Squatting Research
[...] es are paying per-click fees to the scammers. [emphasis and text added] With this recent exposure of Google’s “somewhat” questionable ac [...]
[...] es are paying per-click fees to the scammers. [emphasis and text added] With this recent exposure of Google’s “somewhat” questionable ac [...]
Nice write up. time for google to close the doors on the squatters… or else pay the price … by losing advertisers to Yahoo and MSN..
[...] Domain Name Wire Blog Archive Google might clamp down on typo An article in this week s eWeek talks about Microsoft research of typo-squatting and how Google hasn t done much to prevent typo domains from landing on its Adsense for Domains sites. [...]