Can you call Google a "sponsor" of your website if you opt in for Google AdSense? A DigitalPoint Forums member presents that question.
Google itself is not a site sponsor. But the links can be termed Sponsored Links since the advertisers are paying for the clicks. You should be careful when using terminology that can get your Google AdSense account banned and contact Google when in doubt with the policies.
The best explanation is that Google is a mediator and gives advertisers (the sponsors) the ability to display their ads on your site.
Similarly, you're not employed by Google if you use AdSense.
The bottom line: it sounds cool to say that Google is your employer or your site sponsor, but Google is not either.
Forum discussion continues at DigitalPoint Forums.