This Advertising Policy explains how we manage advertisements on our site. It sets standards for ad content, partner selection, user controls, and reporting.
- At a glance: Ads must be lawful, non-deceptive, and respect user experience.
- We work with certified ad partners while keeping editorial content independent.
- Users control personalization through cookie settings and account controls.
- Report problematic ads to our support team for fast review.
Overview
We publish ads to fund content and platform operations while safeguarding visitors. Our rules prioritize safety, legality, and transparency for every ad served.
These rules align with common industry standards for online advertising and content moderation. For background on advertising concepts, see Advertising.
Advertising partners and platform integrations
We partner with reputable ad networks and demand partners to serve inventory. We vet partners on policy compliance, technical security, and reporting capabilities.
Where we rely on third-party networks, we require contractual commitments or technical controls to reduce risky ad placements. Example partner tech is well documented by projects like Google AdSense.
Types of advertisements we allow
We accept common ad formats such as display banners, native placements, and text-based ads. We also allow video ads when they meet our user-experience rules and technical specs.
We do not accept formats that circumvent user controls or deliver hidden redirects. We tag placements clearly and apply rules to programmatic and direct-sold inventory alike. See general practices for online advertising.
Ad format details
Display and native ads must include visible labeling to distinguish them from editorial content. Labels may read “Advertisement,” “Sponsored,” or similar, and must be clear at first glance.
Video ads must not auto-play with sound on page load unless the user initiates play. Interstitials and full-screen overlays require user-friendly close controls.
Ad content guidelines
We maintain a strict list of disallowed content. Ads that promote illegal goods, adult content, hate speech, malware, or deceptive claims are prohibited.
We flag and block creatives that attempt to install software or exfiltrate data. For malware context and common attack patterns, refer to malware.
Examples of prohibited ad attributes
Prohibited attributes include deceptive copy, fake system warnings, hidden tracking, or auto-download prompts. We remove ads with aggressive navigation hijacks or false endorsements.
We disallow ads that depict graphic violence or explicit sexual content. Ads targeting protected classes with discriminatory messaging are also banned.
Separation of advertising and editorial content
We preserve editorial independence. Advertisers do not influence our reporting, reviews, or editorial decisions.
All sponsored content appears with clear disclosures. Our writers and editors do not accept incentives that would bias reporting or product evaluations.
User experience, ad load, and placement
We balance monetization with site speed and readability. We limit the number of above-the-fold ads and avoid layouts that trigger accidental clicks.
We monitor metrics like page load time and layout shifts and tune ad slots accordingly. Our goal is unobtrusive monetization that preserves engagement.
User controls and privacy
Users can opt out of personalized advertising through cookie settings and account preferences. We provide controls that stop interest-based targeting for signed-in visitors.
Technical controls rely on standard browser cookies and consent signals. For a technical primer on cookies and tracking, see HTTP cookie.
Personalization and cookie choices
Personalized ads use behavioral signals to match creative to audience interests. Users who decline personalization will still see contextual ads but not interest-based creatives.
Blocking cookies may degrade some ad features and personalization. We document these effects on our Privacy Policy.
Enforcement, reporting, and escalation
We review reported ads within a defined SLA and remove creatives that breach policy. We also communicate with the ad source to prevent recurrence.
If you see a problematic ad, report it via our support channel. Include the ad screenshot, URL, and timestamp to speed investigation. Use Contact to send reports directly.
Policy changes and versioning
We update this policy to reflect operational changes or new regulatory requirements. We publish the revision date on the policy page and notify registered users when material changes occur.
Minor clarifications may post without direct emails; major changes trigger both a site notice and account-level messages. Review the policy periodically to stay current.
Contact information and escalation paths
For policy questions or to escalate unresolved ad issues, contact our support team. Use the contact form or email address on our site for official requests.
Internal teams coordinate with ad partners and technical vendors to remediate incidents. For contractual concerns, reference our Terms of Service and legal contacts provided on the support page.
FAQ
How do I report a bad or malicious ad?
Capture a screenshot, note the time and page URL, and submit via our Contact page. We triage all reports and respond when action completes.
Are ads personalized on this site?
We support personalized ads when users opt in. You may disable personalization through cookie controls or account settings, which we document on our Privacy Policy.
Which ad formats do you use?
We use display banners, native placements, and video ads with user-friendly controls. We avoid intrusive or deceptive ad formats that harm user trust.
What happens when an ad violates the policy?
Violating ads get removed and source partners receive reports. Severe or repeated violations may trigger partner suspension or technical blocking of supply.
Who enforces these rules?
Our content safety and ad operations teams enforce this policy. We also collaborate with network partners and legal counsel when necessary.
Note: This policy is effective as posted and supersedes prior ad rules. For precise legal terms, consult the linked internal policies or contact our legal team via the support channels above.
See also: Advertising Policy
