The Google+ buttons are a collection of buttons and publisher integration points that applications, websites, and other services (collectively, "Publishers") can add to websites so that Google+ users can connect to and share on Google+. These include:
- +1 button — The +1 button is a means for Publishers to provide the Google +1 sharing experience on their website and other services. Users can express their interest in a Publisher or its website by clicking the +1 button, and can share content from the Publisher's website to Google+.
- Google+ Badge and Follow button — This button is a means for Publishers to enable Google+ users to quickly add the Publisher's Google+ page to the user's circles directly via a widget on the Publisher's website. After clicking the button, the user indicates the circle to add that Publisher.
- Google+ Share button and link — The share buttons and links provide a lightweight way for Publishers to invoke a Google+ Share dialog and can be implemented using a textual link, a Google+ icon, or both.
- Sign-In Button — This button is a means for Publishers to request permission to access a user's information on Google. Users may grant access to their identity as well as additional specified services.
- Hangout button — This button is a means for publishers to create Google+ Hangouts when a user clicks the button.
The policies below, as well as the Google+ Platform Branding Guidelines, the Google Developers website terms of service and the Google Terms of Service, govern a Publisher's use of the Google+ buttons.
Policies
Publishers may not attempt to discover the identity of a Google+ button user unless the user consents to share his or her identity with the Publisher via a Google-approved authorization procedure. This prohibition includes identifying users by correlating Google+ button reporting data from Google with Publisher data.
Publishers may not attempt to discover the identity of a Google+ button user unless the user consents to share his or her identity with the Publisher via a Google-approved authorization procedure. This prohibition includes identifying users by correlating Google+ button reporting data from Google with Publisher data.
Publishers may not sell or transmit to others any data about a user related to the user's use of any Google+ button. For the avoidance of doubt, this prohibition includes, but is not limited to, any use of pixels, cookies, or other methods to recognize users' clicks on a Google+ button, the data of which is then disclosed, sold, or otherwise shared with other parties.
Publishers must disclose clearly any data collection, sharing, and usage that takes place on any site, app, or other property as a consequence of using Google+ buttons. To comply with this disclosure obligation with respect to Google's use of data, publishers have the option to display a prominent link to How Google uses data when you use our partners’ sites or apps.
Publishers may not alter or obfuscate a Google+ button, and Publishers may not associate a Google+ button with advertising content, such as putting the Google+ Button on or adjacent to an ad, or placing ads in shared content, unless authorized to do so by Google. Publishers also may not place in shared content any text, image, or other content that violates the Google+ User Content and Conduct Policy.
For buttons that may be rendered by the Publisher, such as the Sharing link, the Publisher must use only the official Google-provided icon or a plain text and link combination. In either case, Publishers must not mislead users as to the purpose of the link.
Publishers may not direct users to click a Google+ button for purposes of misleading users. Publishers may not promote prizes, monies, or monetary equivalents in exchange for Google+ button clicks. For the avoidance of doubt, Publishers may direct users to a Google+ button to enable content and functionality. When a Publisher directs users to a Google+ Button, the button action must be related to the Publisher or the Publisher's content. For the +1 button, the content or functionality that is enabled for the user must also be accessible to any of the user's social connections who also enable it.
Google may analyze Publishers' use of a Google+ button including to ensure Publishers' compliance with these policies and to facilitate Google's development of Google+ Buttons. By using a Google+ button, Publishers give Google permission to utilize an automated software program, often called a "web crawler," to retrieve and analyze websites associated with a Google+ button.
If Publishers' sites or services are directed at children under 13 or Publishers have actual knowledge that users of their site or service are children under 13, then Publishers must comply with the US Children's Online Privacy Protection Act when using any Google+ buttons.
Publishers must comply with the EU user consent policy.