Understanding Policy Violations and Penalties
Publishers must be aware that certain behaviors can lead to policy violations. A key concern is acquiring traffic from non-compliant sources, which violates platform guidelines. The enforcement system operates on a strike-based model where five standard policy violations result in one strike, while a single egregious violation can immediately generate one strike.
Standard violations often involve promises that are unclear or not explicitly stated, such as general statements about affordability without specific details. More serious violations include concrete but impossible-to-fulfill promises like free offers, cash incentives, or unreasonably cheap offers. Other egregious violations encompass false hiring promises, loan guarantees, admission promises, misrepresentation of identity, or making specific promises outside your control.
Advertising Restrictions for Job Postings
Platform policies impose specific restrictions on job posting advertisements. While certain predetermined U.S. government advertisers are permitted to target limited audience groups under specific conditions, general publishers face more limitations. These government advertisers may target based on bona fide occupational qualifications as defined by U.S. law when such qualifications are reasonably necessary for normal job function performance.
For publishers using platform products or advertising code for personalized ads, several requirements must be met. Publishers must possess all necessary rights for using audience data, include disclosures stating that ads are interest-based, and comply with applicable internet advertising industry guidelines such as the Digital Advertising Alliance's Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising.
Privacy and Data Protection Requirements
Publishers must establish and maintain privacy policies that clearly disclose any data collection, sharing, and usage resulting from platform product usage. This includes disclosing information about technologies used, such as cookies, web beacons, IP addresses, or other identifiers.
When collecting, processing, or disclosing information that can identify or infer precise user location data from GPS, Wi-Fi, or cell tower sources, publishers must provide clear disclosures through interstitial or instant notifications about potential data uses. They must obtain explicit user consent before collecting, processing, or disclosing such information, transmit it to platforms in encrypted form, and disclose collection methods in all applicable privacy policies.
Content and Technical Compliance Standards
Publishers cannot display platform-served ads on pages that violate search spam policies or contain misleading experiences. Additionally, ads cannot appear on screens containing malware or violate anti-spam software policies. Content must meet quality advertising standards, and publishers using ads.txt must properly list themselves as authorized sellers.
| Compliance Area | Key Requirements | Common Violations | Risk Level |
|---|
| Traffic Acquisition | Use compliant sources only | Non-compliant traffic sources | High |
| Promise Claims | Clear, explicit, achievable promises | Free offers, unrealistic discounts | Severe |
| Government Job Ads | BFOQ-based targeting only | Improper audience targeting | Medium |
| Privacy Policy | Full disclosure of data practices | Incomplete privacy disclosures | High |
| Location Data | Explicit consent required | Unauthorized data collection | Severe |
| Content Standards | No malware or spam violations | Malware-infected pages | Severe |
Practical Implementation Guidelines
For publishers handling job postings, ensure all claims are verifiable and within your control. Avoid making promises about hiring outcomes, loan approvals, or specific benefits that you cannot guarantee. Implement robust privacy protocols that properly handle user data and location information with appropriate consent mechanisms.
Regularly audit your job posting content to ensure compliance with all platform policies regarding traffic sources, promise claims, and advertising standards. Maintain transparent communication with users about data practices and advertising methods to build trust while remaining compliant with industry standards and regulations.