This story has been updated. Please see update at the end.

Google announced on a support page that it is sunsetting AdSense for Google Sites. At the end of next month, support will be cut off. On a page called “Sunsetting Adsense,” Google says:

Some important changes are coming to AdSense on Google Sites. By August 30, 2013, it will no longer be possible to make updates to AdSense on any of your Google Sites.

No change is required on the part of AdSense users. Any ads that you currently have running will not be altered or removed, though you’ll be free to delete ads yourself. However, it will no longer be possible to edit or add new AdSense ads to your existing site or to new pages.

The reason Google is doing this is not entirely clear, but for those who are concerned about Google ranking Google Sites sites with Google ads on them, the move is probably well-received.

We’ve reached out to Google for comment, and will update if we hear back.

Update: Google got back to us to note that they’ve updated language in the help center. It no longer says “sunsetting AdSense,” but rather “Changes To AdSense”.

Our original headline was Google Kills AdSense (For Google Sites), but a spokesperson for the company tells us:

I think saying we’re “killing” AdSense on Google Sites is a bit of a mischaracterization. Sites users with AdSense can continue to run ads and will continue to earn revenue; however, they can no longer modify ad code.

The team has decided to focus development resources on other projects at this time.

The help center page now says:

Starting August 30th 2013, it will no longer be possible to modify AdSense ad code on Google Sites pages. However, any ads you’ve previously placed on Google Sites will continue to show, and you’ll be credited for all valid earnings.

Please be assured that this update will not affect the standing of your AdSense account or ability to show ads on any other websites you own. If you’d like to show ads on other websites, simply log in to your AdSense account at www.google.com/adsense to generate new ad code at any time.

Hat tip: Search Engine Roundtable