Technically, the answer I believe is "yes" you need a key, or used to; but practically, in terms of "will it work" the answer is no APi needed, depends on the script or program used though.

Old advice from another thread somewhere, not sure if still valid...

First go to your google account and sign in. Once you are signed in and "cookied", type this in your browser: api.google.com/createkey

Also: IncredibleHelp recently posted about WebCEO and other software of this nature under a ban consideration by Google, just FYI.

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