Using the 'site:' search operator to find violations

Finding content on your own site is easy with Google Search. By using the 'site:' search operator in your query, you're instructing Google to return search results only from your own site. You can use this feature to identify content that (i) may be in violation of the Google Publisher Policies or (ii) be in scope of the Google Publisher Restrictions, which will limit the advertising that you receive, by following these few steps:

The basics

1. Open Google Search.
2. Copy the following query into the Google Search field and click the Google Search button:
   • site:publisher_site.com
   • Don’t forget to change 'publisher_site.com' to your own domain name.
3. To expand your search, it’s advisable to make sure that Filter explicit results is not ticked in SafeSearch. You can find the SafeSearch settings in the top right-hand corner of your search results page.

Refining your query

4. To help find content that might be in scope of either the Google Publisher Policies or the Google Publisher Restrictions, try adding keywords to your original query. For example:
   • To find adult content and possible violations, try using queries like:
     • site:publisher_site.com sex
     • site:publisher_site.com erotic
     • site:publisher_site.com escort
   • To find copyright violations (such as illegal file-sharing):
     • site:publisher_site.com dvdrip
     • site:publisher_site.com streaming
     • site:publisher_site.com watch free
   • Sale of restricted and illegal content:
     • site:publisher_site.com tobacco
     • site:publisher_site.com rifle
     • site:publisher_site.com heroin
   • Gambling:
     • site:publisher_site.com poker
     • site:publisher_site.com blackjack
     • site:publisher_site.com texas hold'em
5. You can also use Google Image Search to view pictures that correspond to your query. This is particularly useful for finding content that's more graphic in nature, such as adult content. After experimenting with the above examples, simply click the Images link below the search box to see images returned by your query

For more information about content that's prohibited or restricted, and to get inspiration for your queries, review the Google Publisher Policies and the Google Publisher Restrictions.