Legal problems

First I’d like to say that I like the plugin. However, I just came across to this post: https://gtranslate.net/blog/46-gtranslate-got-reviewed-on-killerstartups

Somebody is stating that this plugin violates the TOS of Google. I checked the code and is true, here I’m pasting the important parts of the messages:

https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/

“…don’t interfere with our Services or try to access them using a method other than the interface and the instructions that we provide…”

“…Don’t remove, obscure, or alter any legal notices displayed in or along with our Services…”

This is how the script obscures the user interface:

#goog-gt-tt {display:none !important;}
.goog-te-banner-frame {display:none !important;}
.goog-te-menu-value:hover {text-decoration:none !important;}
body {top:0 !important;}
#google_translate_element2 {display:none!important;}

Then there’re a couple of js (packed) functions to fire the events on the original (and now hidden) user interface.

And the requests go directly to Google’s server. And the script is loading the Google’s translation widget: https://translate.google.com/translate_a/element.js?cb=googleTranslateElementInit2

You said that you’re using the Google Translation API. Is a paid service (https://developers.google.com/translate/v2/pricing), that’s why it brought my attention. So, unless I’m missing something really really big, what you’ve said is not true, at least for the free version of the script. I cannot say anything about the paid versions because I haven’t seen them, but I have to admit that I’m afraid that they’ll do something similar.

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I’m posting this here to prevent internet lawsuits to simple people. And honestly, I don’t understand how come such plugin is available for download here, as it can cause a lot of damage. Who knows what Google might do when they find out.