FAQs: Advertiser Policy
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As a buyer on the Microsoft Advertising Platform (formerly the Xandr Platform), ad:personam adheres to strict Advertiser Policies that apply to all users of the application.
What types of content are universally prohibited on the Microsoft Advertising Platform? Prohibited content includes:
- Dangerous hate speech
- Pornography
- Malware
- Piracy
- Weapons
- Violence
- Defamation
- Illegal drugs
- Auto-downloads and auto-redirects
- Certain types of deceptive content
- Morally reprehensible content without redeeming social value
Are there specific restrictions regarding the depiction of violence? Yes, any content depicting or inciting violence, or that is graphic in nature, is prohibited.
What should advertisers know about content related to weapons? Advertisements must not promote the sale or creation of bombs, guns, ammunition, or other weapons. Content facilitating weapon acquisition or assembly is strictly prohibited.
Can advertisements include political content? Political advertising is allowed but requires specific information about the advertising and its buyers, as well as any necessary disclaimers. Ads must not relate to elections in countries where the buyer or advertiser is considered foreign.
What guidelines apply to advertising gambling content? Gambling content is permitted but comes with geographic restrictions. Advertisers must comply with all relevant regulations and hold necessary licenses. Gambling ads are banned in certain countries.
What types of gambling advertisements are allowed? The platform allows ads promoting online and offline gambling activities, including casino games, poker, sports betting, lotteries, and fantasy sports.
What are the geographic restrictions for gambling advertisements? Gambling ads are prohibited in countries like China, Egypt, India, and Russia, among others. Advertisers must comply with local laws and possess licenses for targeted jurisdictions.
How does the platform verify compliance for gambling ads? Advertisers must provide evidence of required licenses and compliance with local laws. The platform conducts due diligence and retains the discretion to disallow ads based on compliance checks.
What responsibilities do advertisers have when placing gambling ads? Advertisers must ensure their ads:
- Do not target prohibited jurisdictions
- Include necessary disclaimers
- Are only served in legally permissible areas
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
What constitutes 'deceptive content' under the policy? Deceptive content misleads users into taking action, such as creatives mimicking functionality or misrepresenting clickable content.
How does the platform handle content related to government forms or services? Charging for government forms or services that are available for free or at a lower cost from the government is prohibited to prevent exploitative practices.
What are the requirements for software downloads advertised on the platform? Advertisements must:
- Not contain malware
- Clearly inform users about functionalities
- Obtain informed consent before installation
- Provide an easy uninstall process
- Allow users to maintain control over their computing environment
Are there specific rules regarding content that interferes with user navigation? Yes, any content that obstructs user navigation or forces new windows without interaction is prohibited.
What are the consequences of failing to provide adequate privacy notices or obtaining necessary user consent? Content lacking adequate privacy notices or user consent for data collection is in violation of the policy, including non-compliance with laws governing material functionality of sites or software used in ads.