If you’re an avid user of Google Ad Manager, you might have recently come across an important email in your inbox. The email emphasizes the need to update outdated GPT versions. This message has become a hot topic in the Google Ad Manager forum, with many users buzzing about it.
The Urgent Email Reminder
For those who might have missed out, here’s a quick recap of the email’s contents:
Currently, your pages load gpt.js, pubads_impl.js, and/or other libraries are loading from a non-official URL. Before September 18th, 2023, you will need to update your <script> tag to load the GPT JavaScript from a Google domain following the guidance in our developers website.
On September 18th, we will stop serving GPT tag versions that are outdated. At this time, we will also reject ad requests from old versions of the GPT library. As we have stated in the past, loading GPT from unofficial URLs can open publishers to security vulnerabilities. Due to this, loading GPT from unofficial URLs or rehosting it from your own servers is not supported.
Guidelines from Google’s Official Documentation
So, what should publishers do? Let’s glance through the guidelines provided by Google:
- Always pull the GPT library from an official source. The standard source should be:
https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js. For limited ads, use:https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/tag/js/gpt.js. - Abstain from hosting versions of
gpt.js,pubads_impl.js, or related libraries on your personal server. Equally, never load them from unofficial sources. - Using a locally cached version of the GPT might not be the best idea. Why? They might not be compatible with the newest browser versions or operating systems. Besides, they might not encompass the latest features or improvements. Remember, outdated GPT library versions could be axed without warning, possibly causing a disruption in ad revenues.
How to Ensure You’re Using the Valid GPT URL
A vital point of action is ensuring the GPT library is loaded from the valid URL: https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js. Note that the former (now outdated) URL, https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js, will be decommissioned. Additionally, any libraries hosted on personal servers will also be rendered ineffective.
For those who are tech-savvy, a quick way to verify the source of the GPT library is by utilizing Chrome Developer Tools. Navigate to the ‘Networks’ tab and search for “gpt.js”. Ensure that the requests made are originating from the correct and official URL.
Final Words
With the September 18th, 2023 deadline fast approaching, now’s the time to act. Secure your ad-serving processes, safeguard your revenues, and reinforce the security of your digital landscape. When in doubt, always refer to official documentation.