Last updated on December 15, 2025
Overview
The purpose of these policies is to provide guidance on the types of advertising and sponsored content that may appear on wsider.com and our related digital properties (collectively, the “Wsider Properties”). These policies are intended to help ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, protect Wsider’s brand and reputation, and provide a safe and positive user experience.
While these policies are designed to guide decisions on what advertising is acceptable, each ad may be reviewed and judged individually based on how it affects Wsider’s brand and our users. Wsider reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising at any time, and to remove advertising that has been published.
By advertising on Wsider Properties, advertisers agree to abide by these Advertising Policies, as well as our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. These Advertising Policies may be updated from time to time, and you are encouraged to check back for updates.
Note on ad serving: Wsider may display advertising through third-party networks and platforms (including Google AdSense). Ads delivered via third parties must comply with both Wsider’s policies and the applicable platform policies.
Prohibited Content
The following advertising or sponsored content cannot be published on Wsider Properties due to legal, regulatory, user-safety, or brand concerns. In some cases, the underlying content may be illegal, or the advertising of that content may be illegal.
Adult Content
- Sexually explicit content, pornography, or nudity intended for sexual gratification
- Ads that are suggestive, refer to sex acts, or promote adult products and services
- Explicit sexual services (escort services, “hookups for sex” offers, etc.)
Counterfeit Goods
- Counterfeits, replicas, knockoffs, or pirated/bootleg products (physical or digital)
- Ads that promote goods using a trademark or branding that is identical or substantially similar to a brand without authorization
False or Misleading References to Wsider
- Use of Wsider’s name, logo, or branding without permission
- Ads implying Wsider endorsement, partnership, or sponsorship unless explicitly approved by Wsider in writing
Dangerous Products or Services
- Guns, firearms, ammunition, weapon parts, or weapon accessories primarily used for harm
- Explosives, fireworks designed to explode, or instructional content for making explosive items
- Ads promoting violent wrongdoing or instruction that facilitates harm
Discriminatory Practices / Hate Content
- Content that incites hatred, promotes discrimination, or disparages individuals or groups based on protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, nationality, veteran status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or similar protected attributes
Enabling Dishonest or Illegal Behavior
- Malware, spyware, phishing, or deceptive downloads
- Hacking services, credential theft, wiretapping, signal descramblers, radar jammers, or similar unlawful “evasion” services
- Pyramid schemes, “get-rich-quick” schemes, or deceptive money-making claims
- Unaccredited degree mills, fake transcripts, or academic cheating services (pre-written essays, thesis/dissertation selling)
- Ads facilitating sanctioned/embargoed trade where applicable laws restrict such transactions
Prohibited Data Collection / High-Risk Tracking
- Ad tags/pixels or data-collection methods that are designed to collect or transfer personal data in ways that violate law or platform policies
- Ads that attempt to collect sensitive identifiers through deception or without appropriate disclosures/consent
- Any tracking setup that is disallowed under applicable U.S./EU/UK privacy requirements or major ad-platform rules
False or Misleading Claims
- False or misleading claims about product characteristics, performance, or outcomes
- Unsubstantiated claims (advertisers must maintain evidence supporting claims)
- Health claims that guarantee cures, prevention, or treatment of serious conditions, or that conflict with applicable health advertising rules
- Unrealistic results claims within short timeframes (e.g., extreme weight loss, guaranteed profits)
- “Phishing” or impersonation of reputable companies to collect personal or financial information
- Offers that are not actually available, or billing terms that are omitted, obscured, or misleading (fees, interest, penalties, subscription renewal, etc.)
Litigation Solicitation
- Soliciting participation in lawsuits (including class actions), unless specifically approved by Wsider on a case-by-case basis
Political Advertising in the European Union
Wsider may restrict or decline political advertising directed at, originating from, or targeting audiences in the EU where regulated, including political ads and issue-based messaging designed to influence political, electoral, legislative, or regulatory outcomes, consistent with applicable law.
Recreational Drugs
- Ads for controlled substances, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or dispensaries where restricted
- Depictions of hard drug use
- Cannabis/marijuana advertising is not accepted except where explicitly reviewed and compliant with applicable law and platform rules (see “Content Subject to Further Review” for limited exceptions such as certain CBD contexts)
Religion
- Ads advocating for or against specific religious beliefs, organizations, or religious movements
- Religious persuasion or conversion campaigns
Non-denominational spirituality content may be considered on a case-by-case basis under “Astrology / Occult / Paranormal.”
Sensationalism / Clickbait
- Shock content designed primarily to provoke clicks using exaggerated claims, fake news framing, or misleading curiosity hooks (e.g., fabricated celebrity arrests/deaths, “one weird trick” deception)
Content Subject to Further Review
The following categories may be permitted with limitations and are reviewed case-by-case due to legal, regulatory, platform, and brand considerations.
Astrology / Occult / Paranormal
- Horoscopes, psychics, fortune telling, esoteric services
- Love spells, potions, “energy healing” claims (must not be deceptive or exploitative)
Beauty and Cosmetic Procedures
- Body modification, cosmetic procedures, plastic surgery (must be compliant, not misleading, and age-appropriate)
CBD
- Certain CBD-related products/services may be reviewed case-by-case
- Topical/non-ingestible products may be considered if legal, properly licensed where required, and do not claim to diagnose/treat/cure disease
- Must not target minors
Dating
- Mainstream dating advertisers may be allowed
- Ads promoting explicit sexual services are prohibited
- International matchmaking and casual-sex messaging may be restricted or declined
Environmental Claims
- “Green,” “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” and similar claims must be substantiated and comply with applicable consumer-protection guidance
- ESG claims are reviewed case-by-case and must not be misleading
Financial Services
- Banking, loans, insurance, brokerage, and other financial services may be accepted with required disclosures and risk statements
- No “guaranteed profits,” unrealistic earnings claims, or deceptive “secrets” offers
- Where prior results are referenced, appropriate disclaimers may be required; predictions of future investment results are not permitted
Cryptocurrency
- Crypto exchanges may be reviewed case-by-case where lawful and platform-compliant
- Ads promoting specific tokens, ICOs, DeFi membership schemes, or derivative crypto products are generally restricted or prohibited
- Blockchain/technology references without token promotion may be considered
Gambling and Gaming
- Video games and lawful gaming content may be accepted
- Real-money gambling and sports betting are reviewed case-by-case and must comply with applicable laws, include responsible-gambling messaging, and be age-gated where required
- No guarantee-of-winning messaging
Healthcare
- Prescription drug advertising must comply with applicable rules and disclosures
- OTC medications, devices, telemedicine, hospitals/treatment centers may be accepted case-by-case
- Supplements require strict claim substantiation and appropriate disclaimers
- Weight-loss ads must be evidence-based, not target minors, and disclose atypical results
Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Sexual function, fertility, birth control, STI information/services may be reviewed case-by-case
- Must be compliant, non-explicit, non-deceptive, and appropriately targeted
Sweepstakes and Contests
- May be allowed case-by-case with complete rules, clear eligibility, and “not affiliated with Wsider” clarity
- Illegal lotteries are prohibited
Tobacco-Related
- Ads from tobacco-related companies may be restricted
- Ads promoting specific tobacco/nicotine products (including vaping) are generally not accepted
- Public-policy “transition away” messaging may be reviewed case-by-case
General
Accuracy & Truthfulness
Advertisers must be transparent and truthful. Misrepresentation, omission of material facts, and deceptive practices are not permitted. All claims must be supported by competent and reliable evidence, and substantiation may be requested.
User Commentary Features
Wsider Properties may include user commentary features moderated under our Terms of Service. Advertisers acknowledge that moderated user commentary may appear near ads and that ad adjacency to approved UGC may occur in the normal course of site operation.
Legal & Compliance
Advertisers are responsible for ensuring that their ads, landing pages, products, and services comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection, privacy, and advertising disclosure laws.
If changes in applicable law or platform requirements render performance unlawful or impractical, Wsider may, in its discretion, suspend or terminate advertising placement without further obligation beyond what is required by law or a signed written agreement.
Conflicts
If there is a conflict between these Advertising Policies and any other advertising terms governing a specific placement, these Advertising Policies control unless expressly overridden by a written agreement signed by Wsider.
Contact
For advertising policy questions or review requests, please contact:
Email: ads@wsider.com
