Dive Brief:

• Tech publication Techdirt.com released a statement last week saying that Google had sent a letter demanding it remove AdSense ads from an article that contained adult content — though there was no nudity or porn involved. 
• The notice from Google said that Techdirt's AdSense account would be suspended if the ads weren't removed within three days. 
• Techdirt appealed, saying that Google ads were appearing next to the video in question on YouTube. 

Dive Insight: 

In the publishing world, it is all too common a story that AdSense accounts get suspended with little or no notice from Google. Earlier this month, an ex-Googler even claimed the search giant was shutting down high-earning accounts right before the pay-out to save money. It's also a bit confusing that Google would offer the option in targeting of "Sexually Suggestive" content, but not allow publishers to post next to the same content. Google has the advantage that its AdSense exchange holds so much market share, but that doesn't mean it's invincible. There are alternatives that publishers and advertisers can use, and alienating companies isn't a smart business move to hold the top spot.